Watch CBS News

Trucker who helped save sex captive in Virginia: "I've got daughters"

Truck driver Kevin Kimmel followed his instincts and called police in Virginia when he saw a young woman in trouble
Truck driver being called a hero after saving girl from sex trafficking 01:00

When trucker Kevin Kimmel caught a glimpse of a distraught-looking young woman behind the curtain of a recreational vehicle in a truck stop outside Richmond, Va. on Jan. 6, he knew something was wrong.

"Saw what looked like a young girl looking out the window, the black drapes didn't make it look like a families' RV, you know," Kimmel told CBS affiliate WTVR. "I saw a guy come up and knock on the door then go inside the Pilot-then quickly came back and knocked again, all of the sudden the thing was rocking and rolling."

trucker.jpg
Kevin Kimmel WTVR

Kimmel was suspicious of what was happening and called the police.

"When I saw the young girl's face, I said that's not going to happen, I've got daughters and granddaughters," Kimmel told WTVR.

Thanks to Kimel's phone call, an Iowa couple are being charged with sex trafficking. Aldair Hodza, 36, and Laura Sorensen, 31, were arrested after police said a frightened and malnourished 20-year-old told officers the couple had physically and sexually abused her.

"I only learned the gruesome details through the news," Kimmel told the station. "I'm just happy I helped her."

The alleged victim said she had been forced into prostitution during the trip from Iowa to Virginia.

"He saved that girl's life and that's awesome," a fellow trucker told WTVR. "I have two kids at home man and if somebody messed with them I'd want someone to call the cops and tell me."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.