Possible Sex Trafficking Abduction Thwarted: Men Face $5M Bond After Harnett County, NC Teen Found Safe Following AMBER Alert

LILLINGTON, N.C.– Two men are facing serious felony charges, including human trafficking of a child victim and kidnapping, after a missing 15-year-old girl from Harnett County was safely located in Dare County, North Carolina, following an AMBER Alert.

Suspects Identified & Charges Filed
Sheriff Wayne Coats announced the arrests of Elihue Martin Mahler, 31, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Austyn Lee Cole, 23, of Kitty Hawk. Both suspects were charged with:



  • Felony human trafficking of a child victim
  • Felony kidnapping
  • Felony conspiracy to kidnap
  • Felony conspiracy for human trafficking

Authorities revealed that the teen was taken from her home in Spring Lake, NC, and transported hundreds of miles away, with plans to keep her in Kitty Hawk, where Cole resides.

FBI Investigation Uncovers Online Grooming

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) confirmed that the victim had met one of the suspects online before vanishing.

“No minor goes willingly,” said Philip VanWyngarden, FBI Assistant Special Agent. “Anytime you’ve got a minor engaging with a predator online, they are victims. They are being manipulated.”

The FBI and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) worked together, using electronic tracking and surveillance technology, to determine that the girl had been taken through Virginia Beach and into Kitty Hawk.

Judge Sets $5 Million Bond for Each Suspect

Both Mahler and Cole appeared before a judge Friday.

  • Mahler, who has a lengthy criminal history in Virginia, including fleeing to elude and assaulting a law enforcement officer, denied the allegations.
  • Cole, whose record is less extensive, shook his head but remained silent during the proceedings.

Citing both men as flight risks, the judge set their bonds at $5 million each. Mahler stated he would represent himself in court, while Cole requested a court-appointed attorney. They are scheduled to appear in court on March 11.

Victim’s Condition & Safety Concerns for Families



Authorities confirmed the teen had no visible injuries but was taken to a hospital for evaluation before reuniting with her family.

The FBI and SBI urged parents to monitor their children's online activity, emphasizing that predators target minors through social media and gaming platforms.

“Wherever children are on the Internet, predators will find them,” VanWyngarden warned. “Our children are extremely tech-savvy but often lack the real-world experience to understand the consequences of online interactions.”

A Call to Action for Parents & Law Enforcement

This case serves as a critical reminder of the dangers of online predators and human trafficking. Axios Security Group and Law enforcement officials encourage parents to:
✔ Conduct regular spot checks on their children’s devices
✔ Educate minors on online safety and red flags
✔ Use parental controls and monitoring apps

This developing case highlights the ongoing battle against child exploitation and human trafficking, reinforcing the need for proactive community awareness and digital safety measures.

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