Former Tennis Coach Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Transporting a Minor Across State Lines and Engaging in Sex Acts

           Montgomery, Alabama – Today, United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced the sentencing of a former youth tennis coach from Columbus, Georgia for unlawfully transporting a minor across state lines with intent to engage in sexual activity. On August 8, 2024, a federal judge ordered that 51-year-old Leroy Thomas Joyner, Jr. serve 300 months in prison. The judge also ordered that Joyner remain on supervised release for life following his prison term. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole. Restitution to Joyner’s victim will be determined at a later date.

           According to court records and evidence presented during his January 2024 trial, Joyner previously operated a tennis association in Dale County, Alabama. The association provided lessons to underprivileged children and teens. In September of 2018, law enforcement began an investigation following reports of physical abuse carried out by Joyner against one of his 15-year-old female students. The investigation revealed that, in addition to beating the young victim with a wooden board to influence her to obey him, Joyner began a sexual relationship with her when she was 13. Trial testimony indicated that Joyner engaged in sex acts with the minor in multiple states, including Georgia, Louisiana, and South Carolina. This sexual exploitation continued until the investigation began in 2018.

           “This significant sentence reflects the harm that Joyner inflicted upon his young and vulnerable victim,” said United States Attorney Ross. “I am grateful for the courage shown by the victim in coming forward and the diligence of the investigating agencies. Through the actions of all involved, a predator is off of the street and our communities are safer.”

           “Yesterday’s sentencing was the result of law enforcement’s collective efforts to protect the children in our communities,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Dale County Sheriff’s Office for their work on this investigation.”

           The FBI Mobile Field Office and the Dale County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Russell T. Duraski, Tara S. Ratz, and B. Chelsea Wilson prosecuted.