Man accused of trafficking teen for sex

JSO: Kevin Ketchel arrested in undercover human trafficking sting

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office booking photo of Kevin Ketchel

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville man was arrested Wednesday in an undercover human trafficking sting, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

Undercover detectives arrested Kevin Ketchel, 20, at the St. Augustine at the Lake Apartments off Old St. Augustine Road, along with his 16-year-old victim, who he had been pimping out, investigators said.

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According to an arrest report, Ketchel met a 16-year-old who was using social media to link up with men to perform dances and sexual encounters and to send sexually explicit pictures and videos.

After the two met last week, investigators said, Ketchel and the teenager posted her number of internet and she would send videos and pictures to men in exchange for up to $400.

They agreed she would engage in sex “if the money was good,” the arrest report said.

Ketchel and the teenage girl agreed to meet an undercover officer, investigators said.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the 16-year-old sent the officer a video of her and Ketchel having sex, to appease the undercover agent.

Crystal Freed, human rights attorney and partner of the Free Firm, said actions like that make young victims feel loved and using the internet only makes it easier for human traffickers.

“These traffickers are very adept at brainwashing these girls into thinking that they are the answer to every problem,” Freed said. “It is open season on our children if we are not monitoring their social media.”

Ketchel then asked the undercover officer if he wanted to meet at a hotel or an apartment and they agreed to meet at the apartment complex in Mandarin, investigators said. That’s where police said the two were arrested minutes later.

The report said Ketchel told police that he thought the victim was 30 years old, and showed them her identification. But police said they discovered the documents were fake.

Jeremy Craig, who lives at the apartment complex, told News4Jax Monday that police officers had come to his door earlier in the morning to ask about Ketchel. Craig said he was outraged to learn of the arrest.

“I have a 10-year-old daughter and having someone like that around – the police better get to him before I do,” Craig said.

Ketchel faces human trafficking and prostitution charges. He is being held without bond at the Duval County Jail.