A 13-year-old girl from Louisiana who vanished after meeting a man online was found alive inside a box at his Pennsylvania home, authorities said. Police discovered the teenager during a multi-state investigation that exposed a disturbing case of grooming and sexual abuse. Three men have been arrested so far, including the primary suspect, 26-year-old Ki-Shawn Crumity, who allegedly trafficked and assaulted the victim after luring her through social media.
Girl Vanishes After Online Contact
Officials said the girl, a resident of Baker, Louisiana, went missing around October 20 after connecting with Crumity on Snapchat. He reportedly promised to help her get adopted by a trusted adult. Instead, investigators believe he groomed and manipulated her, leading to her disappearance that sparked an urgent search across several states.
Found Trapped in Basement Box
Authorities in Pittsburgh discovered the girl hidden inside a sheet-covered box in Crumity’s basement in the Brighton Park neighborhood on Thursday. Police were acting on a federal tip when they located her. She was immediately taken to a hospital, where doctors confirmed evidence of sexual assault, according to WWL Louisiana.
Horrifying Details Emerge
A criminal complaint revealed the girl told investigators that Crumity gave her cannabis edibles and repeatedly assaulted her for about a week. She said she had traveled to Pittsburgh by Greyhound bus and shared a basement bed with Crumity and a woman. According to WTAE, the child told investigators that the “safest she ever felt” was in the hospital after her rescue.
Crumity Faces Severe Charges
Crumity has been charged with human trafficking, sexual assault, unlawful contact with a minor, and corruption of a child. He was denied bail and remains in custody at the Allegheny County Jail. Authorities said additional charges could follow as the investigation expands across multiple states.
Other Arrests Linked to Case
Two other men have been arrested in connection with the case. Ronald Smith, 62, was detained in Columbus, Georgia, and charged with simple kidnapping and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. Another suspect, 64-year-old Alvin Hanson, was arrested in New Orleans on a similar charge. Both men allegedly drove the girl from Baton Rouge to Georgia before putting her on a northbound bus.
Investigation Expands Across States
Law enforcement agencies across Louisiana, Georgia, and Pennsylvania are now coordinating efforts to uncover the full network involved. Officials said they expect more arrests soon, citing the possibility of additional suspects, including a man and a woman found in Crumity’s basement at the time of the rescue.
Officials Warn of Online Dangers
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill condemned the case as a “tragic example of the dangers of social media and human trafficking.” She said, “This child … was groomed, exploited, and then sexually abused by strangers who found her online.” Authorities are urging parents to remain vigilant about their children’s internet activity as similar trafficking incidents continue to rise.