Missing Louisiana Teen Found Alive in Pittsburgh Basement; 26-Year-Old Man Arrested
PITTSBURGH, PA — A 13-year-old girl from Louisiana reported missing by her family has been found alive inside a basement in Pittsburgh, where authorities say she was being held by a man she met online.
According to investigators, 26-year-old Ki-Shawn Crumity, of Pittsburgh, has been arrested and charged with human trafficking, unlawful contact with a minor, and multiple counts of child endangerment and false imprisonment.
The girl, who had been missing for several days, was discovered inside a box in the basement of Crumity’s home during a police search. Authorities say she was shaken but alive, and she has since been reunited with her family.
Police: Suspect Lured Girl Through Snapchat
Law enforcement officials allege Crumity met the girl on Snapchat, a social media platform that allows temporary messaging and image sharing. Investigators believe he used the app to lure the teenager from her home in Louisiana to Pennsylvania, promising friendship and safety before allegedly holding her captive.
Police were tipped off after a multi-state search involving local and federal authorities, including the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force, traced digital communications linking the suspect’s account to his residence in Pittsburgh.
Once officers arrived on the scene, they conducted a welfare check that led to the startling discovery in the basement. The girl was immediately taken to a hospital for evaluation and is now in protective care.
Charges Filed and Investigation Ongoing
Crumity faces a lengthy list of felony charges, including trafficking in individuals, unlawful restraint, interference with child custody, and solicitation of a minor.
Authorities are also investigating whether Crumity may have had other victims or online communications with minors across state lines. Police are urging parents to monitor their children’s social media activity closely, especially on platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok, which are frequently used by predators to target young users.
“This case is a powerful reminder of how easily online contact can turn into a real-world danger,” a Pittsburgh police spokesperson said. “Thankfully, this young girl is alive, and we’re grateful for the quick work of the agencies involved.”
Parents Warned About Online Luring Dangers
Child safety advocates say this case underscores the growing risk of digital grooming and exploitation through encrypted messaging apps. Many predators use temporary chat features to avoid detection, making it harder for law enforcement and parents to trace conversations.
Experts recommend parents check privacy settings, track online friendships, and have open conversations about the dangers of sharing personal information online.
Community Relief and Next Steps
The girl’s family, who had been searching for her since her disappearance in Louisiana, expressed immense relief and gratitude to the law enforcement teams that helped locate her.
Crumity remains in Allegheny County Jail without bond pending his first court appearance. The investigation continues as authorities gather digital evidence from his devices and social media accounts.
Anyone with additional information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police tip line or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
For more breaking updates on crime and safety across the South and East Coast, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
