Local man formally charged in 'possible human trafficking investigation'

MIDDLETOWN – A Middletown man has been formally charged with sexual assault in connection with a “possible human trafficking investigation.”

Isauro Garcia Cruz, 44, was indicted by a Butler County grand jury on charges of rape, sexual abuse, sexual conduct with a minor, gross sexual assault and distribution of material harmful to minors.

The Butler County Sheriff’s Office said it began investigating Cruz after reports surfaced of a relationship between him and a 15-year-old girl.

In March, the investigation led investigators to Bedford County, Virginia, where they received assistance from the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI in the search for Cruz and the teenager.

>> PREVIOUS REPORTING: Local man arrested on kidnapping charges amid “possible human trafficking investigation”

Cruz was also charged with child abuse in Bedford County.

Deputies said the 15-year-old girl arrived unaccompanied from Honduras and was placed in the care of a sponsor in Middletown by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The girl’s godmother was Cruz’s girlfriend.

The sheriff’s office said an investigation is underway to determine whether the girl was a victim of human trafficking.

Cruz was extradited to Butler County, where he is in jail awaiting his court date.

We will continue to follow this story.

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