Toquerville, Utah — A man and woman were arrested Saturday after a traffic stop uncovered a missing child from Nevada in the back seat of their car, according to authorities.
According to court filings, John Anthony Hampton, 41, and Barbara Grace Singleton, 26, were stopped on I-15 near Toquerville on Saturday shortly after 11 p.m.
The two were allegedly speeding in a Mercedes-Benz when a Utah Highway Patrol trooper began to follow them. As the trooper slowed, so did the Mercedes-Benz, forcing the officer to stop them for speeding and failing to yield to faster traffic.
According to authorities, the rear passenger in the car was recognized as a missing adolescent from Nevada. Police reportedly discovered chats on the defendants’ phones discussing how much money the kid would earn for “turning tricks.”
After inspecting the car, the officer discovered “clothes resembling that of a prostitute,” according to records. Marijuana, ecstasy, and brass knuckles were allegedly discovered in the vehicle.
According to court records, Hampton and Singleton were placed into the Washington County Jail and are currently being held without bail.
