Did Holly Chalmers Accuse Victor Marx of Human Trafficking?

According to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office report, investigators reviewed prior reports, digital communications, witness statements, and follow-up interviews related to the allegation. The report states that investigators found Holly Chalmers was able to communicate with Leslie Ward during the period in question, independently contacted law enforcement in October 2023, and was confirmed safe by law enforcement in October 2023.

Investigators also reported insufficient evidence to establish probable cause for human trafficking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any other criminal violation under Colorado law. The report concluded that the available evidence did not support the statutory elements required for criminal prosecution under Colorado law.

The original article summarized Sgt. Jared Harmon's report that Chalmers stated in February 2026 she had been trafficked from Canada into the United States in July 2023. She alleged she was transported across the international border without a passport and taken to Colorado and later to Texas. She identified Victor Vaughn Marx, Eileen Marx, and Vaughn Kennedy as being involved and stated that her communications and movements were restricted.

The article also noted that the 2026 911 call audio from Holly and Les to the El Paso County Sheriff's Department is linked in the source documents.

On October 4, 2023, EPSO responded after Leslie Ward reported Chalmers as a missing person. Ward stated he and Chalmers had been in an intimate relationship for approximately two years. Based on Chalmers' date of birth in the report, this would place the beginning of that relationship when she was approximately 17 years old. Ward also disclosed a prior sexual assault conviction from years earlier.

Ward reported that two acquaintances had learned of his prior conviction and spoke with Chalmers about it. According to Ward's statement in the 2023 report, they encouraged Chalmers to seek assistance and counseling through All Things Possible Ministries in Colorado Springs. Ward indicated that following those discussions, Chalmers left British Columbia on July 21, 2023 with Victor Vaughn Marx and traveled to Colorado.

Digital evidence collected in 2023 included text message exchanges between Ward and Chalmers. Those messages reflected an ongoing intimate relationship and future planning. Chalmers referenced returning home and stated she was not staying in the United States permanently, indicating she was receiving counseling and would come back.

Although some messages referenced limited computer time, the volume and frequency of the communications demonstrated repeated access to electronic communication. On October 11, 2023, Chalmers independently contacted Ward from George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, then later contacted Deputy Evelyn Peak directly from a borrowed phone number.

On October 12, 2023, law enforcement confirmed Chalmers had been positively identified and was safe. She was removed from NCIC/CCIC as a missing person and the case was closed as non-criminal.

Holly and Les have made guest appearances in 2025 on various Colorado radio and podcasts, including Ryan Schuiling Live. It is believed Holly and Leslie have continued their relationship and have two children.