Search for runaway, 15, leads to arrest of man, 18, Fairfield Police say possible human trafficking charges pending

FAIRFIELD, Texas (KWTX) - The Fairfield police say the search for a 15-year-old runaway girl led to the arrest of an arrest 18-year-old for possession of child phonography. Police say possible human trafficking charges are pending., according to a press release.

On November 23, 2025 authorities were advised of a female juvenile runaway believed to be traveling in a white Ford pickup.

The Denton County Sheriff’s Department said they were tracking the juvenile’s cell phone that appeared to be located at a local Whataburger in Fairfield.

The press release states officers checked the Whataburger but did not locate the car.

Authorities were then sent to Tractor Supply on an unrelated call and found a white Ford pickup matching the earlier description in the parking lot.

Officers then confirmed the 15-year-old passenger in the white Ford was the runaway from Denton County, along with two other individuals in the car.

The two males in the car, 17 and 18, told police that they were traveling to Houston to meet friends.

After receiving consent to search, police arrested Riley Cole Smith, 18 for possession of child phonography. The 17-year-old was released at the scene, according to the press release.

Authorities say the female juvenile was taken back to her family in Denton County.

“The Fairfield Police Department will continue investigating the case, and possible human trafficking charges are pending. The department extends its appreciation to K9 Corporal Silas, K9 Farock, with Fairfield PD, Lieutenant Darby, Deputy Thompson and Deputy Aultman with the Freestone County Sheriff’s Department for their hard work an assistance,” the department said.

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