Man arrested for human trafficking

An Albuquerque man was arrested after he tried to sell a minor to an undercover agent.

Kendel Merrell is behind bars after he tried to sell a 17-year-old girl for $3,000 at a, "human trafficking party,” the Albuquerque Police Department said.

Police said Merrell "groomed,” the teen for prostitution but she was able to break away and call for help.

The woman’s mother called police after her daughter telephoned her panicked and distressed.

The daughter called her mom and said, 'Mom, call me back at this number and tell me there's a family emergency and I have to come right now,’’ an APD sergeant said.

KOB Eyewitness News 4 talked to a sergeant who worked on the case.

For his safety we've protected his identity.

According to police, the trouble started on Facebook.

Merrell, 22, added the 17-year-old to his list of friends.

At one point the girl posted something about needing a work.

Merrell jumped in and said she could work for him, selling hip-hop magazines and CDs.

"He told her things like, 'Tell your mom that this is a 24 hour a day job and 7 days a week,’” police said.

According to police, the two met up and the situation escalated.

Merrell reportedly forced her to have sex with him. He then allegedly sold her for $150 and said she could keep $50.

He threatened, "If you don't do this, I will have my friends take care of you,” police said.

Soon enough, the girl found herself at the human trafficking party.

"Kendel took her to a place where there were several men present and he intimidated her and told her, 'You're going to be there, you're not going to look at any of them in the eye. I want you to keep your mouth shut,’” police said.

APD said Merrell offered to sell her for $3,000 for as much sex as three days could allow.

At one point during the party she was able to get away from Merrell and leave.

That's when she called her mom for help.

Merrell is charged with human trafficking, criminal sexual penetration and sexual exploitation of a child.

APD said they're still investigating the case and looking into Merrell's close friends, but they don't think this was a large-scale operation.

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