Following a two-day trial, a federal jury in the Western District of Kentucky has convicted Portier Q. Govan, 38, from Memphis, Tennessee. He was found guilty on all counts in a five-count indictment, which includes charges of sex trafficking, conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, obstruction or interference with a sex trafficking prosecution or investigation, interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Govan's co-defendant, Brittany R. Howard, 25, from Bowling Green, Kentucky, pleaded guilty on October 30 to interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution and obstruction or interference with a sex trafficking prosecution or investigation.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division commented on the case: “This defendant used extreme threats of violence to compel an 18-year-old victim to engage in commercial sex, even holding a gun to her head to terrify, control and coerce her for his own profit.” Clarke emphasized that the unanimous jury verdict should make clear that sex trafficking will not be tolerated in the country.

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett for the Western District of Kentucky praised the efforts involved in this case: “I commend the prosecution team, FBI’s Bowling Green Resident Agency and the Bowling Green Police Department for their outstanding work on this case.” He reaffirmed commitment to aggressively investigating and prosecuting human trafficking within the district.

FBI Criminal Investigative Division Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough also spoke about the case: “This defendant preyed on a vulnerable young woman, threatening her with physical violence and even death if she didn’t comply with his demands.” He stated that such crimes occur too often in communities and assured that the FBI is fully committed to identifying perpetrators and ending sex trafficking.

During the trial, evidence showed that Govan and Howard met their victim at a gas station in Bowling Green before recruiting her into commercial sex under false pretenses. The situation escalated when Govan threatened her life by pressing a pistol against her head and firing it near her body. Additionally, he intimidated her by showing violent videos.

Govan's sentencing hearing is set for March 25, 2025. He faces between 15 years to life imprisonment along with mandatory restitution. Howard's sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 9, 2025.

The investigation was led by the FBI Louisville Field Office with assistance from local law enforcement agencies. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Madison Sewell and Trial Attorney Francisco Zornosa.

The public is encouraged to report any information about human trafficking through available hotlines operating around-the-clock.