An Atlanta man was sentenced Friday to 11 years in prison for taking a 17-year-old runaway across state lines for prostitution, the U.S. Attorney’s office announced.
Johnathon Kelly, 31, drove the teen from her home in Birmingham in November 2012 and advertised her on a website, according to a press release. The prostitution took place at various hotels in Norcross, Augusta, Bossier City, La., Dallas, Texas, and elsewhere.
Officers found the teen Jan. 9, 2013 during a traffic stop on Interstate 20 in Greene County. Kelly was stopped for speeding. A Georgia State Patrol officer and a local deputy recently trained in spotting human trafficking victims became suspicious because the teen, identified as “R.W.,” appeared frightened of Kelly.
Kelly pleaded guilty June 30 to one count of transporting a minor for prostitution. In addition to prison time, he must serve 20 years of supervised release, register as a sex offender, and pay the victim $7,500 in restitution.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Georgia Bureau of Investigation took part in the investigation.
Support real journalism. Support local journalism. Subscribe to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution today. See offers.
Your subscription to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution funds in-depth reporting and investigations that keep you informed. Thank you for supporting real journalism.