Formal charges are now on file in a Lyon County human trafficking case involving a former Emporia Police officer.
Russell Paul Patterson Jr was arrested last week. Formal charges posted Tuesday to the Kansas District Court Public Access Portal:
*One count of aggravated human trafficking with an alternate, also of aggravated trafficking
*One count of commercial sexual exploitation of a child
*One count of rape
Charges reflect alleged illegal activity between Patterson and a person no more than 17 years old during alleged incidents July 21-22. Additional information has not been divulged.
Patterson, 33, served as an officer between March-December 2017 but was released before completing training, according to Police Capt. Ray Mattas. Current officers have not detailed why Patterson was released. EPD investigated the case, with Mattas saying there was no conflict of interest.
