An Arizona sheriff’s deputy is accused of kidnapping a girl whereas on responsibility and was fired from the division investigating Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, authorities mentioned.
The Tucson Police Division confirmed to Fox Information Digital that 22-year-old Travis Reynolds, a former Pima County Sheriff’s deputy, was taken into custody and charged with one depend of kidnapping.
“The Tucson Police Division did arrest 22-year-old Travis Reynolds, a former Pima County Sheriff’s deputy, and charged him with one depend of kidnapping in reference to alleged misconduct that reportedly occurred whereas he was on responsibility,” the division mentioned.
Police added the investigation “continues to be energetic and ongoing,” declining to launch additional particulars.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Division additionally confirmed Reynolds’ employment has been terminated.
“The Tucson Police Division notified the Pima County Sheriff’s Division of the arrest, and the worker was terminated,” the company mentioned in an announcement. “We don’t have any extra data to supply.”
In response to an interim criticism obtained by KOLD, Reynolds was transporting a feminine detainee to the Pima County Jail when he allegedly made inappropriate remarks about her look.
The criticism states Reynolds shared a vape pen with the handcuffed girl and instructed her he might “assist” her case, allegedly suggesting they go to a lodge and have intercourse.
Investigators allege Reynolds additionally confirmed the detainee sexually specific movies and delayed taking her into the jail, at the same time as different officers had been processing different people in custody.
The lady instructed investigators she felt intimidated resulting from Reynolds’ place as a legislation enforcement officer and the “energy dynamic” between them.
She additionally indicated the encounter might not have been an remoted incident, in response to statements made in court docket.
Throughout his preliminary look, prosecutors instructed the court docket the allegations had been “very, very regarding” given Reynolds’ place and the imbalance of energy between him and the alleged sufferer, including there have been indications the conduct might have occurred earlier than.
Prosecutors additionally mentioned the alleged sufferer is “very afraid” of Reynolds and expressed concern about potential retaliation.
Authorities say Reynolds later eliminated the lady from the automobile and instructed her to reveal herself earlier than finally bringing her contained in the jail. Jail surveillance video reportedly confirmed elements of her account.
Reynolds instructed investigators he “might or might not” have proven specific materials or mentioned intercourse with the detainee, in response to the criticism.
His protection legal professional instructed the court docket Reynolds has no prior prison historical past and is a lifelong Arizona resident.
A decide set Reynolds’ bond at $200,000 and ordered no contact with the alleged sufferer, together with a prohibition on weapons.
He’s scheduled to look in court docket once more for a preliminary listening to April 6.
The sheriff’s division has additionally been concerned within the seek for Guthrie.
When requested whether or not Reynolds had any function in that case previous to his termination, officers declined to remark.
Authorities additionally declined to supply additional particulars about Reynolds’ employment historical past or whether or not he had confronted prior complaints.
