Nola Reporter

A New Orleans man has been charged with sex trafficking of a minor, coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in prostitution, and transportation of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity. U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that Aaron Terod Johnson, 36, was indicted on September 26, 2024.

Court documents state that Johnson, a local high school teacher, traveled to Vicksburg, Mississippi in March 2024 to pick up a 16-year-old female. He then brought her to his apartment in New Orleans where he had sex with her in exchange for $200.

If convicted, Johnson faces a minimum of ten years imprisonment up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100 mandatory special assessment for each count. Additionally, he could face supervised release for five years up to life and mandatory participation in the sex offender registration and notification program.

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

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is seeking information that may help identify other 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 is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project brings together federal, state, and local resources to locate and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet and rescue victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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