Multiple arrests made in Laurel County human trafficking case

LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – Several arrests have been made in connection with a Laurel County human trafficking investigation, according to the sheriff’s office.

Officials said the case began after family members reported a Laurel County girl missing. Investigators later found the victim in New York with 42-year-old Joshua Mahley. The girl is now back in Laurel County.

Authorities believe Mahley got to know the victim and her family over the internet. Mahley was arrested in New York on federal charges, including travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

In Laurel County, deputies say 41-year-old Tabitha Peterson was arrested Monday and charged with human trafficking, complicity to sodomy, and complicity to rape. On Friday, 38-year-old Kevin Martinez was arrested and charged with four counts of rape and four counts of sodomy.

Both Peterson and Martinez are being held in the Laurel County Detention Center. Officials said the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are possible.