Missing Louisiana Girl Found in Pittsburgh Basement After Online Grooming Ordeal
How does a child disappear from a bus station in Louisiana and end up hidden hundreds of miles away in a Pittsburgh basement? Authorities have uncovered a harrowing case of online grooming and exploitation that took a 13-year-old girl across state lines,
exposing the dangerous realities of social media and human trafficking. What began as a routine missing child report quickly escalated into a complex investigation, resulting in the arrests of two men connected to this shocking ordeal.
The Ordeal
A Pennsylvania man has been arrested after authorities discovered a missing 13-year-old Louisiana girl concealed inside a box in a Pittsburgh basement. A second suspect, a man from New Orleans, has also been taken into custody in connection with the case.
The girl was reported missing earlier this month in East Baton Rouge Parish, last seen at the Greyhound bus station in Baton Rouge. Investigators say she met 26-year-old Ki-Shawn Crumity on Snapchat, where he allegedly convinced her he could help her get adopted by a trusted adult. She then traveled by bus to Pittsburgh.
According to a criminal complaint, once in Pittsburgh, the girl, Crumity, and a woman stayed in a basement bed. During approximately a week of captivity, Crumity allegedly gave the girl marijuana edibles and sexually assaulted her daily.
Rescue and Arrests
Louisiana authorities began tracking the girl’s movements on October 24. On Thursday, she was located and rescued. Crumity was arrested, and the girl was found in a box covered by a sheet in the basement. After being taken to a hospital for evaluation, the girl reportedly said it was the safest she had ever felt.
Authorities also arrested 62-year-old Ronald Smith of New Orleans in Columbus, Georgia—a stop the girl made during her journey—charging him with kidnapping and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Official Response
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill praised the agents involved:
“She was groomed, exploited, and then sexually abused by strangers who found her online. This case highlights the dangers of social media and human trafficking.”
Crumity faces charges including trafficking in individuals, statutory sexual assault of a minor, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, sexual assault, and corruption of minors.
The U.S. Marshals Service has indicated that further arrests may follow as the investigation continues.
Conclusion
This case underscores the grave dangers posed by online grooming and human trafficking, particularly for vulnerable children. Thanks to coordinated efforts by law enforcement across multiple states, a young girl was rescued before further harm could occur.
While two arrests have already been made, the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities continue to urge vigilance regarding social media interactions. This rescue serves as a stark reminder of the importance of awareness, early intervention, and cross-state cooperation in protecting children from exploitation.