A former Emporia Police officer has been arrested on suspected human trafficking as part of alleged activity not related to his time in uniform.
Emporia Police Capt. Ray Mattas says 33-year-old Russell Patterson Jr was arrested on suspicion of aggravated human trafficking and rape. Formal charges are currently pending.
Mattas says Patterson was an officer from March to December 2017 and was released from employment before he completed his training. The reason or reasons behind his release are not being divulged.
Mattas says the arrest Thursday is connected to a current investigation unrelated to his time with the Emporia Police Department. This is an ongoing investigation and EPD is the lead agency in the investigation with Mattas noting there “was no conflict of interest” as Patterson’s time with department ended nearly seven years ago.
10 am Friday: Emporia man arrested on suspicion of human trafficking
An Emporia man has been arrested on suspicion of human trafficking.
Emporia Police arrested 33-year-old Russell Paul Patterson Jr on Thursday on suspicion of trafficking and rape. Formal charges are currently pending.
Emporia Police officers say this is part of an ongoing investigation, so no additional information is forthcoming at this time.
