A former Emporia Police officer has been taken into custody for suspected involvement in human trafficking, which is unrelated to his previous service in uniform.
According to Emporia Police Capt. Ray Mattas, 33-year-old Russell Patterson Jr has been taken into custody on charges of aggravated human trafficking and rape. Legal charges are currently under consideration.
Mattas states that Patterson served as an officer from March to December 2017 and was terminated before completing his training. The details surrounding his release are being kept confidential.
Mattas claims that the arrest on Thursday is linked to an ongoing investigation that is not related to his tenure at the Emporia Police Department. The investigation is currently underway and EPD is leading the efforts. Mattas has clarified that there is no conflict of interest, as Patterson’s association with the department ended almost seven years ago.
A man from Emporia has been taken into custody on suspicion of involvement in human trafficking.
On Thursday, Emporia Police apprehended Russell Paul Patterson Jr, a 33-year-old individual, on charges related to trafficking and rape. Charges are currently pending.
The Emporia Police officers have stated that due to an ongoing investigation, no further details can be provided at this moment.
