Formal charges are being considered against seven men accused of human trafficking and commercial sex crimes as part of a multi-agency investigation in Kansas and Missouri.
The Butler County Sheriff’s Office says it condicted a counter-human trafficking investigation with several partners, headlined by Homeland Security Investigations, Andover Police and El Dorado Police, as well as ICTSOS, an advocacy group offering support to trafficking victims. Meetings with potential trafficking victims led to what Butler County calls “paths to survivorship” involving 10 people engaged in the commercial sex trade as the investigation continued. As part of the advocacy initiative, Butler County says one suspected was identified as a sex trafficker and was arrested on suspicion of promoting the sale of sexual relations.
Six other men were identified after allegedly agreeing to purchase sexual relations from a minor in Butler County. Arrested were:
*Kimron Charvell Burris, age 31, on suspicion of aggravated human trafficking, electronic solicitation of a child, commercial sexual exploitation of a child and driving while suspended
*Shane Anthony Pitman, age 39, on suspicion of aggravated human trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation of a child, sexual exploitation of a child, indecent solicitation of a child and promoting obscenity by distributing obscene material
*Jose Campos-Urrutia, age 36, on suspicion of aggravated human trafficking, electronic solicitation of a child, commercial sexual exploitation of a child and indecent solicitation of a child
*Andrew Jordan Bikar, age 22, on suspicion of aggravated human trafficking, electronic solicitation of a child of a child, commercial sexual exploitation of a child, indecent solicitation of a child and promoting obscenity by distributing obscene material
*Anthony Joseph Blakely, age 35, on suspicion of aggravated human trafficking, electronic solicitation of a child, commercial sexual exploitation of a child, sexual exploitation of a child and indecent solicitation of a child
*Joseph Frank Patrick III, age 31, on suspicion of aggravated human trafficking, electronic solicitation of a child, commercial sexual exploitation of a child, aggravated indecent liberties with a child and indecent solicitation of a child
*Alexander Jamal Lane, age not listed, on suspicion of promoting the sale of sexual relations
Besides the lead agencies, the investigation was also supported by sheriff’s offices in Greenwood, Sedgwick and Bourbon counties in Kansas, as well as Clinton and Ray counties in Missouri. The Butler County Attorney’s Office has been listed as a partner as well.
