A man has been found guilty of human trafficking in Arapahoe County, Colorado, after a nearly five-year-long case that began with a routine traffic stop.
Kenneth Noel was arrested by Colorado State Patrol on I-70 after being pulled over for driving in the left lane with no other traffic around. Inside the vehicle, Noel was accompanied by an adult female driver and two teenage girls, both of whom were later identified as runaways.
At the time of the arrest, the teen girls, who were 14 years old, initially gave false names to the officers. However, after further investigation, the troopers uncovered their true identities.
According to the Arapahoe County District Attorney, Noel’s vehicle contained multiple items associated with prostitution and sex trafficking. These items provided evidence that Noel was involved in the exploitation of both minors and an adult woman for his personal gain.
Noel was convicted of the following charges:
Sexual assault on a child
Pimping
Human trafficking of a minor
Human trafficking of an adult
The conviction highlights the pervasive nature of human trafficking, even in areas where it may not be immediately visible. Chief Deputy District Attorney Chris Gallo commented on the case, stating:
“While human trafficking isn’t always visible, we know it is present in virtually every major city in this country. This defendant preyed on vulnerable young women and then exploited them for his own personal gain.”
Noel’s sentencing is scheduled for May, and he is expected to face significant penalties for his actions.
