Fugitive human trafficking suspect apprehended after month long search
PHILADELPHIA – A fugitive human trafficking suspect was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Philadelphia special agents and United States Marshals Service in Columbus, Ohio, June 6, after nearly a month on the run.
"We’re confident that Bachtel’s arrest will empower the victims of his alleged acts, and embolden others who are facing similar circumstances to come forward, knowing that they will be fully supported and that HSI will do everything in its power to ensure their traffickers face justice,” said Marlon V. Miller, HSI Philadelphia Special Agent in Charge. “I applaud the cooperative efforts of HSI and the U.S. Marshal’s Service in apprehending Bachtel so he can be held accountable for his alleged actions.”
Tyler Robert Bachtel and two others were charged, on May 24, with sex trafficking and related crimes, following an investigation by special agents with HSI Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania State Police.
Kashamba John, 30, of Atlanta, and Bachtel, 34, of Montclair, California, were charged by indictment with one count of sex trafficking by means of force, threats of force, fraud and coercion (Count One). John was additionally charged with one count of transporting an individual in interstate commerce with the intent that the individual engage in prostitution (Count Two).
If convicted of sex trafficking, each defendant faces a mandatory minimum term of 15 years’ imprisonment up to a possible sentence of life imprisonment, a minimum of five years up to lifetime of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. In addition, on Count Two, John faces a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment as well as up to three years supervised release and a $250,000 fine.
An indictment, information or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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