BAXTER SPRINGS, Kan. (AP) — An Oklahoma man is accused of abducting a woman and forcing her to dance at a Kansas strip club, then taking the money she earned at the club.
Gary Ballard, 29, of Tulsa, is charged with aggravated human trafficking and aggravated kidnapping. It wasn’t immediately clear if he has an attorney. He is jailed on $200,000 bond.
The 23-year-old victim was reported missing from Coweta, Oklahoma. three weeks ago. Authorities say Ballard repeatedly hurt her and drove her to Cherokee County, Kansas, in the state’s southeastern corner.
Detectives got a tip that the woman might be in Cherokee County. A news release said they found her Thursday night at a strip club, where Ballard allegedly forced her to perform while taking the money.
Cherokee County Sheriff David Groves said Ballard has a violent history, including a shooting conviction in Oklahoma.