Michael Horne: Indiana man arrested after missing boy, 14, found in his bathroom with hickeys on his neck
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KOKOMO, INDIANA: An Indiana man has been charged with human trafficking after a 14-year-old missing boy was found in his home in a "lethargic" condition and with hickeys on his neck. Michael Horne was arrested from Kokomo after police received a tip about the young missing teenager.
The 53-year-old man is charged with the promotion of child sex trafficking in connection to the trafficked teenager's disappearance. According to law enforcement officials, additional charges in the case will be submitted to the Howard County Prosecutors Office, reported Law and Crime.
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How did investigators locate the trafficked teen?
On Sunday, March 19, Kokomo police received information about a missing boy from the Tell City Police Department. The department informed that the 14-year-old boy was reported missing on Saturday, March 18. Investigators got the possible location's address and located him inside the home. The trafficked teen who appeared lethargic and had hickeys on his neck was found near a bathroom door in Horne's residence, reported NBC affiliate WTHR.
'It's very concerning'
According to police, security camera footage showed the 53-year-old man's vehicle coming and leaving the city where the victim reportedly went missing. The man denied being in contact with the teen before they both met that day, as per the arrest report. Horne allegedly told police that he slept in the living room and let the boy stay in his bed.
The station said, "When police asked Horne if there would be any reason for his DNA to be present on the teen’s body, the arrest report says Horne responded, ‘Well…’ before pausing and then requesting a lawyer."
Police stated that suspected child sexual abuse material was found on a device among the electronic devices seized from Horne's home. Following the incident, neighbors of the residence were shocked. Talking to WTHR, a mother said, "It’s very concerning. I have two little ones. It’s not OK."
Anyone with additional information in connection to the case is requested to report to Detective Austin Bailey at 765-456-7280 or abailey@cityofkokomo.org. With your anonymous tip, call Central Indiana Crime Stoppers at 1-800-262-TIPS and you may qualify for a cash reward.