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Former Sheppard Air Force Base Airman Sentenced for Human Trafficking
Travis Robert Larson pleaded guilty to enticement of a minor and sexual abuse of a minor.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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A former Sheppard Air Force Base airman named Travis Robert Larson has been sentenced to life in prison for the sexual abuse and trafficking of a 14-year-old girl. Larson, who was 24 years old at the time, pled guilty in November 2025 to one count of enticement of a minor and one count of sexual abuse of a minor.
Why it matters
This case highlights the serious issue of human trafficking, especially involving minors, and the need for strong law enforcement action and penalties to deter such crimes. As an active duty airman, Larson's actions also raise concerns about misconduct within the military and the need for robust screening and oversight procedures.
The details
According to court documents, in May 2025 the 14-year-old victim's father notified Colorado Springs police that his daughter was missing. The father found messages indicating Larson had been communicating with the child and planned to drive to Colorado to pick her up. Law enforcement tracked Larson's vehicle traveling from Texas to Colorado Springs and back during the late hours of May 3-4, 2025. The child was eventually recovered near Larson's dorm room on the Sheppard Air Force Base. The child disclosed that her online relationship with Larson began when she was 11 years old, and that he had traveled to Colorado Springs twice to sexually abuse her.
- In May 2025, the 14-year-old victim was reported missing by her father.
- On May 3-4, 2025, law enforcement tracked Larson's vehicle traveling from Texas to Colorado Springs and back.
- In November 2025, Larson pled guilty to one count of enticement of a minor and one count of sexual abuse of a minor.
- In February 2026, Larson was sentenced to life in prison.
The players
Travis Robert Larson
A 24-year-old former airman at Sheppard Air Force Base who pled guilty to enticement of a minor and sexual abuse of a minor.
Ryan Raybould
The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas who oversaw the prosecution of Larson.
What they’re saying
“This case highlights the serious issue of human trafficking, especially involving minors, and the need for strong law enforcement action and penalties to deter such crimes.”
— Ryan Raybould, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas
What’s next
The judge's sentencing of Larson to life in prison is expected to send a strong message about the consequences of human trafficking crimes.
The takeaway
This case underscores the critical importance of vigilance, robust law enforcement, and severe penalties to combat the exploitation of minors through human trafficking, even when perpetrated by those in positions of trust like active duty military personnel.
