A Texas man whose human trafficking operation was discovered during a traffic stop on Interstate 70 in Arapahoe County has been found guilty of multiple counts of attempted human trafficking, human trafficking, pimping and sexual assault of a child.
Kenneth T. Noel, 34,was found guilty of two counts of attempted human trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude, one count of human trafficking for sexual servitude, one count of pimping, and one count of sexual assault of child on Feb. 28, according to online court documents
Noel was traveling with two teenage girls and an adult woman on June 10, 2020, when he was pulled over for a traffic stop by a Colorado State Patrol trooper, according to a Wednesday press release from the 18th District Attorney’s office.
Both girls gave the trooper fake names and told the officer they were driving to Las Vegas to work as strippers, but the car was headed in the wrong direction, according to the release. Further questioning identified them as runaways and one girl told authorities Noel had sexually assaulted her.
After searching the car, the officer found multiple hotel receipts, women’s lingerie, and male condoms, items that are often associated with pimping and human trafficking. Further investigation by CSP, the FBI and 18th Judicial District investigators revealed that Noel had placed commercial prostitution advertisements for the woman in the car during the traffic stop.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 23. Noel is being held in jail without bond until sentencing.
Both girls have been returned to their guardians, according to the press release.
Anyone who is a victim of human trafficking or anyone who suspects human trafficking can call 866-455-5075 or text “HELP” to 720-999-9724.
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