Senator Murdock Recognizes OHP Trooper Who Saved Suspected Trafficking Victim

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt, on Thursday, honored an Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper for rescuing an eight-year-old boy who was believed to be a victim of human trafficking.

In front of the full Senate, Murdock recognized Trooper Cody Creswell for going above and beyond the call of duty to reunite the young boy with his family. Creswell was named an OHP Trooper of the Year for 2024 for his actions.

On July 19, 2024, Creswell encountered a child in a distressed state during a traffic stop near Woodward. Creswell initiated a thorough investigation that uncovered the child had been separated from his family and was possibly the victim of human trafficking. The child was taken into custody, and Creswell continued to check on the boy outside his official duties.

Creswell visited the boy while he was in foster care and worked tirelessly to facilitate communication with the boy's family. When efforts to reunite him with his father fell through, Creswell took matters into his own hands. He rented a car and, along with his family and the foster parent, made the selfless decision to drive the boy to New York to ensure the child was reunited with his father.

“Trooper Cody Creswell embodies the very best of what it means to serve and protect,” said Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt. “His keen instincts during that traffic stop were instrumental in rescuing a vulnerable young boy. But it was his extraordinary compassion that compelled him to take action beyond the call of duty to ensure that boy was reunited with his father. The men and women of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol consistently go above and beyond to keep us safe, and Trooper Creswell’s selfless actions serve as a powerful reminder of the exceptional officers who serve us every day.”

Murdock was joined by Sen. Roland Pederson, R-Burlington, and Rep. Carl Newton, R-Cherokee, in presenting Creswell a citation in front of the full Senate.

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For more information, contact: Sen. Casey Murdock at 405-521-5626 or email Casey.Murdock@oksenate.gov.