Following an investigation into human trafficking in Clarksville, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation recently announced multiple arrests and one of those individuals facing charges is a former FCS coordinator.
Former Austin Peay (FCS - TN) co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Patrick Kugler, who resigned about a week ago on August 18th, was one of six arrested.
He has been charged with one count of trafficking for sexual servitude.
Kugler resigned at Austin Peay two days after the TBI launched an undercover operation where they aimed to address human trafficking in the area. They placed several decoy advertisements on websites that were known for prostitution.
“The focus of the operation was to identify individuals seeking to engage in commercial sex acts with minors,” the TBI shared, via WSMV4.
In a recent statement, Austin Peay acknowledged the arrest of their former assistant:
"Austin Peay State University is aware of the arrest of former football assistant coach Patrick Kugler, who resigned his position on Sunday, Aug. 18. The Clarksville Police Department are the lead authorities for the arrest and any additional questions should be directed to them. Austin Peay will have no further comments on the matter."
In addition to the arrests, the undercover operation also recovered seven potential victims of human trafficking and have been offered services through a human trafficking victim service organization.
Kugler's bond was set at $5,000 and his arraignment is will have his day in court in early September.
Before starting his coaching career, Kugler was a three-year letterman who started in 14 games at Michigan between 2014 and 2017.
A former assistant at Maine, Kugler also spent a season each as a graduate assistant at Auburn, San Diego State, and Michigan. He also logged a season as the offensive line coach at Howard (FCS), where he was elevated to the run game coordinator role for the final four games of the 2019 season.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.
.