New Orleans Man Charged With Transporting Minor to New Orleans Area For Commercial Sex

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that AARON TEROD JOHNSON (“JOHNSON”), age 36, from New Orleans, was charged on September 26, 2024 in a three-count indictment with Sex Trafficking of a Minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1591(a)(1) and 1591(b)(2); Coercion and Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Prostitution, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2422(b); and Transportation of a Minor to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 18 U.S.C. § 2423(a).

According to court documents, JOHNSON, a local high school teacher, drove to Vicksburg, Mississippi in March 2024 to pick up a 16-year-old female.  JOHNSON then brought the juvenile to his apartment in New Orleans, where he had sex with her in exchange for $200.

If convicted, JOHNSON faces a minimum of ten (10) years imprisonment up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100 mandatory special assessment as to each count.  The defendant also faces supervised release for a term of five years up to life, and  mandatory participation in the sex offender registration and notification program.

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Authorities with Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) are seeking information that may help identify potential victims JOHNSON may have engaged or exploited.  HSI encourages the public to report any suspicious activity through its toll-free Tip Line at 877-4-HSI-TIP or by email at HSINewOrleansTips@hsi.dhs.gov.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.  Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of HSI, the United States Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Maria Carboni of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.