Former Michigan State football player arrested in human trafficking investigation

A former Michigan State football player was arrested in connection with a human trafficking investigation, authorities said.

Officials with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said they arrested 29-year-old Patrick Kugler and five others during an undercover operation against human trafficking.

Officials placed several decoy ads on websites with links to prostitution and commercial sex in an attempt to catch individuals seeking to commit sex crimes involving children.

The operation lasted two days, from August 16 to 17. Kugler and five others – Franklin Poe, Andre Johnson, Dashuan Ramey, James Francis and Anthony Rice – were taken into custody.

Kugler is charged with one count of human trafficking for the purpose of sexual slavery. He was given bail of $5,000.

Kugler played for the University of Michigan football team for five seasons from 2013 to 2017. As a senior in 2016, he played in five games and received honorable mention All-Big Ten honors in 2017 after starting 12 games on the offensive line.

Kugler served on the coaching staff at Austin Peay State University but resigned on August 18, Sports Illustrated reported.

According to WOOD-TV, Kugler faces between eight and 30 years in prison if convicted of this Class B felony in Tennessee.