Tulsa Man Accused Of Human Trafficking, Kidnapping Arrested

A Tulsa man is in a Kansas jail after investigators said he's accused of kidnapping a woman, beating her, and forcing her to dance for money. <br/><br/>

Monday, December 30th 2019, 7:36 am

By: Joseph Holloway

Tulsa Man Accused Of Human Trafficking, Kidnapping Arrested

A Tulsa man is in the Cherokee County, Kansas jail after investigators said he's accused of kidnapping a woman, beating her, and forcing her to dance for money.

Cherokee County investigators said they found out late Thursday night that the woman might be in the area. She was reported missing out of Coweta in early December.

Investigators said Gary Ballard is accused of driving the woman to a gentleman's club then beating her.

They said Ballard also forced her to dance for money, then he took her money and wouldn't allow her to leave or get in touch with her family.

Ballard is facing charges for aggravated human trafficking and aggravated kidnapping. He's in jail on $200,000 bond.

The Sheriff's Office said the woman is now back at home with her family.

The Sheriff's Office said Ballard had previous conviction for shooting with intent to kill.

Joseph Holloway

Joseph Holloway joined the News on 6 team in May 2016. He comes to Tulsa from Fayetteville, Arkansas, where he reported for the NBC and FOX affiliates there for two years.

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