A 13-year-old girl from Baker, Louisiana, who went missing after meeting a man online, has been found alive in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, hidden in a box inside his home, authorities said. Investigators also confirmed evidence of sexual assault.
Ki-Shawn Crumity, 26, has been arrested and faces charges including human trafficking, sexual assault, unlawful contact with a minor, and corruption of a child. Officials say the teenager vanished on October 20 after connecting with Crumity on Snapchat. He allegedly promised to help her get adopted by a “trusted adult,” and the girl traveled by Greyhound bus to Pittsburgh.
Once at Crumity’s home, the teen reportedly slept in the basement with Crumity and a woman. Authorities say Crumity gave her cannabis edibles and sexually assaulted her repeatedly over the course of a week. The girl told investigators that being taken to the hospital was “the safest she ever felt,” and Crumity reportedly admitted to having sex with her.
Police rescued the girl after receiving information from federal agents. The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Special Victims Unit confirmed she was found in a sheet-covered box in Crumity’s basement and was immediately taken to a hospital.
Two other men have also been arrested in connection with the case. Ronald Smith, 62, is accused of simple kidnapping and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, while Alvin Hanson, 64, faces charges of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. Officials said they anticipate additional arrests as the investigation continues.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill called the case a stark reminder of the dangers of social media and human trafficking, stating, “This child… was groomed, exploited, and then sexually abused by strangers who found her online.”
