Two men were arrested after they allegedly picked up a 17-year-old girl from New Mexico after meeting on a dating app, before bringing her to a hotel room in Arizona to sexually assault her.
The Phoenix Police Department confirmed that Us that Preston McKee and Brodie Hester were arrested on Wednesday, August 5, and they are now facing multiple felony charges of sexual conduct with a minor.
McKee, 22, and Hester, 21, allegedly drove six hours to New Mexico to pick up the victim after they met on a dating app. She reportedly told them she was 18 when they first connected online, according to FOX 10.
They then took her back to Phoenix, where McKee and Hester learned of her real age. McKee and Hester reportedly received a call from a detective in New Mexico, while they also found her state ID to corroborate that she lied about how old she was.
While speaking to forensic interviewers, the girl claimed that McKee and Hester took her to a hotel and they put a “kinky mask” over her face and a ball gag in her mouth. She then claimed that they tied her up before they sexually assaulted her, per the outlet.
After the alleged sexual assault, the victim claimed they let her go in the middle of the desert and she went to a nearby Chipotle for help, according to Arizona’s Family.
Police were able to track down the suspects, and Hester initially said he and the girl only kissed. However, he later changed his story and admitted that he had sex with her four times despite knowing she was underage, per FOX 10.
Meanwhile, McKee also reportedly admitted that he had sex with the girl after they learned she was 17. (The age of consent in Arizona is 18.)
Both Hester and McKee were arrested for the incident. Hester is facing three counts of sexual conduct with a minor, and he is currently being held on a $251,000 bond. McKee has been charged with two counts of sexual conduct with a minor and is being held on a $200,000 bond.
Both Hester and McKee are scheduled to appear in court regarding the charges on Wednesday, August 12.
It is not currently clear if either Hester or McKee have entered pleas following their arrests. The Phoenix Police Department had no additional updates to share when contacted by Us.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
