Former Michigan Wolverine and Austin Peay assistant coach Patrick Kugler was arrested on charges connected to a human trafficking operation.
Kugler, who served as the co-Offensive Coordinator for the Austin Peay Governors, resigned from his position on August 18 following his arrest.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) conducted an undercover operation targeting human trafficking in Montgomery County.
The TBI posted fake advertisements on websites known for trafficking and prostitution, leading to the arrest of six individuals, including Kugler.
Kugler was charged with one count of trafficking for sexual servitude, with his bond set at $5,000.
Kugler played as an offensive lineman for the Michigan Wolverines from 2013 to 2017 under coaches Jim Harbaugh and Brady Hoke.
Both the Wolverines’ and Austin Peay’s websites appear to have removed his profiles from their databases.
“Austin Peay State University is aware of the arrest of former football assistant coach Patrick Kugler, who resigned his position on Sunday, Aug. 18,” stated the Austin Peay Athletic Department. “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 six arrests, the Clarksville Police Department and the TBI reportedly rescued seven victims from the trafficking operation.
“As a result of this part of the operation, seven individuals were recovered as potential victims of human trafficking and were offered services through an HT victim service organization,” the TBI said.
There is no information on Kugler’s court date or any further legal proceedings beyond the set bond amount.
