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Patrick Kugler Football Coach Arrested in Human Trafficking Sting

Alex KataevbyAlex Kataev·Sep 20, 2024
In Short

Patrick Kugler, football coach, was arrested on August 17, 2024 in a human trafficking sting operation. The former Austin Peay State University co-offensive coordinator and football coach Patrick Kugler was charged with one count of trafficking for sexual servitude, a Class B felony, and resigned from his coaching position.

Details of the arrest

  • Arrest and charges: Patrick Kugler, 29, former football coach, was arrested on August 17, 2024 as part of a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) undercover human trafficking operation in Montgomery County, Tennessee
  • Specific charge: The Austin Peay coach Patrick Kugler was charged with one count of trafficking for sexual servitude, classified as a Class B felony
  • Potential sentence: The charge against the former offensive coordinator carries a potential sentence of 8-30 years and a $25,000 fine
  • Bond: Patrick Kugler's bond was set at $5,000
  • Arraignment: The former football coach's official arraignment is scheduled for September 4, 2024

Sting operation details

  • Operation overview: The TBI conducted a two-day sting operation starting on August 16, 2024, using decoy advertisements on websites linked to prostitution and commercial sex
  • Operation goal: The operation aimed to identify individuals seeking to engage in commercial sex acts with minors
  • Agencies involved: The operation was a collaboration between the TBI's Human Trafficking Unit, Homeland Security Investigations, the Clarksville Police Department, and the 19th Judicial District Attorney General's Office
  • Results: The operation led to the arrest of six men, including Patrick Kugler, football coach, and uncovered seven potential victims of human trafficking

Kugler's coaching career

  • Recent position: Patrick Kugler was the co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at Austin Peay State University
  • Resignation: The Austin Peay coach Patrick Kugler resigned from his position on August 18, 2024, shortly after his arrest
  • Playing career: Kugler previously played football as an offensive lineman at the University of Michigan, where he was a three-year letterman and All-Big Ten honoree in his senior season in 2016

Austin Peay State University's response

  • Confirmation: The university confirmed the arrest of Patrick Kugler, football coach, in a statement
  • Further comments: Austin Peay stated they would have no further comments on the matter involving their former offensive coordinator, as the Clarksville Police Department is the lead authority for the arrest

FAQ

Who is Patrick Kugler?

Patrick Kugler is a former football coach who served as the co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at Austin Peay State University. He was arrested on August 17, 2024, in a human trafficking sting operation in Tennessee.

What charges does Patrick Kugler, the former Austin Peay coach, face?

Patrick Kugler, the former Austin Peay coach, faces one count of trafficking for sexual servitude, which is classified as a Class B felony. This charge carries a potential sentence of 8-30 years and a $25,000 fine.

When did Patrick Kugler resign from his position as offensive coordinator at Austin Peay?

Patrick Kugler resigned from his position as offensive coordinator at Austin Peay State University on August 18, 2024, one day after his arrest in the human trafficking sting operation.

What was Patrick Kugler's role as a football coach at Austin Peay?

Patrick Kugler served as the co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at Austin Peay State University before his arrest and subsequent resignation.

What is Austin Peay State University's response to Patrick Kugler's arrest?

Austin Peay State University confirmed Patrick Kugler's arrest in a statement but declined to provide further comments, stating that the Clarksville Police Department is the lead authority for the arrest.