Investigation leads to two arrests in child exploitation, sex trafficking

ARDMORE, Okla. (KFOR) — An investigation by the Ardmore Police Department and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN) led to the arrest of two individuals accused of child exploitation and sex trafficking.

According to OBN, on Tuesday, June 3, a local investigation by detectives with the Ardmore Police Department uncovered the involvement of 32-year-old Antron Monroe in child sexual abuse material, and he was arrested for those charges.

Information would later reveal that Monroe had been communicating and negotiating the exploitation of another juvenile with 30-year-old Ashleigh Blanton, also known as Ashleigh Ramsey.

“OBN’s Human Trafficking Agents began their investigation and uncovered evidence that Ashleigh Blanton had negotiated with Antron Monroe to sell him explicit images of an 8-year-old in her care. Blanton had also discussed prices for physical sexual interaction with this child at a location in the Oklahoma City area,” said Mark Woodward, spokesperson for OBN.

Later that evening, agents with OBN found Blanton and the child driving near the area of Ardmore. She was arrested and taken to the Oklahoma County Detention Center and faces several charges, including child exploitation and transporting a person for prostitution, OBN officials say.

The child was placed into protective custody with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

On Friday, June 6, agents with OBN's Human Trafficking department served an arrest warrant for Monroe in Oklahoma County for child sexual exploitation and using access to computers to violate Oklahoma statutes.

Monroe is being held in Carter County Jail on a $1 million bond.

“I am extremely proud of the diligent work by our Human Trafficking Agents and our partners at the Ardmore Police Department to quickly rescue this child and prevent any further abuse and exploitation,” said Donnie Anderson, OBN Director.