A 22-year-old former Pima County Sheriff’s deputy has been arrested and charged with kidnapping after authorities allege he abducted and sexually exploited a handcuffed female detainee while transporting her to jail.
Travis Reynolds was taken into custody by the Tucson Police Department and formally charged with one count of kidnapping. He appeared in a Pima County courtroom, where a judge set his bond at $200,000, issued a no-contact order with the alleged victim, and prohibited him from possessing firearms or other weapons. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 6.
The Tucson Police Department confirmed the arrest in a statement to media outlets, describing the charges as stemming from alleged misconduct that occurred while Reynolds was on duty. “The investigation is still active and ongoing,” the department said, declining to release additional details at this time. Officials notified the Pima County Sheriff’s Department of the arrest, after which Reynolds was immediately terminated from his position.
According to an interim complaint reviewed by local news outlets, the incident took place on March 19 while Reynolds was transporting the woman to the Pima County Jail. The complaint alleges that he made inappropriate comments about her appearance, calling her “hot” and a “MILF,” and shared a vape device with her despite her being handcuffed.
Investigators claim Reynolds suggested he could “help” with her case in exchange for sexual activity, proposing they go to a hotel. He allegedly showed her sexually explicit videos on his phone and deliberately delayed her booking process while other detainees were processed. At one point, authorities say he removed her from the transport vehicle near the back of the jail facility, instructed her to expose herself, and even adjusted her handcuffs from behind her back to the front. Surveillance video from the jail reportedly supports key elements of the woman’s account.
The alleged victim told investigators she felt intimidated by Reynolds’ authority as a law enforcement officer and the inherent power imbalance. She also indicated the behavior may not have been an isolated incident. In court, prosecutors described the allegations as “very, very concerning,” emphasizing the serious breach of trust and authority. They noted the victim is “very afraid” of Reynolds and expressed worries about potential retaliation.
When questioned by investigators, Reynolds reportedly stated he “may or may not” have shown explicit material or discussed sexual activity with the detainee. His defense attorney highlighted that Reynolds has no prior criminal record and is a lifelong Arizona resident.
This case has drawn renewed attention to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, which is already facing significant public scrutiny over its handling of the high-profile disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. The 84-year-old woman was reported missing from her Catalina Foothills home on February 1 after being taken from her residence in what authorities believe was an abduction. Her family, including daughter Savannah Guthrie, has publicly expressed deep anguish over the lack of resolution in the case.
When asked whether Reynolds had any involvement in the Guthrie investigation prior to his termination, Pima County officials declined to comment. They also withheld details about his employment history or any prior complaints against him.
The developments have intensified concerns about accountability and oversight within the department. As the kidnapping investigation continues, both law enforcement agencies have emphasized that no further information will be released while the case remains active.
