A federal jury in New Orleans has convicted Aaron Terod Johnson, a 37-year-old schoolteacher from the city, on charges of sex trafficking of a minor and coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in prostitution. The verdict was reached after a three-day trial.
According to evidence presented at trial, Johnson became aware through social media that a 16-year-old girl had run away from home in February 2024. He saved her social media information and later contacted her after she was reported missing again in March. Johnson learned the victim and her friend were stranded in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and drove there late at night to pick them up, returning with them to his apartment in New Orleans.
During their stay at his apartment, Johnson offered the girls alcohol and marijuana. He initially told them they could sleep in his bed while he would sleep elsewhere but later entered the bed with them and groped both juveniles. After unsuccessful attempts at seduction, Johnson coerced the victim into having sex with him for $200 by exploiting her financial vulnerability and lack of shelter.
Johnson subsequently demanded further sexual acts without payment, threatening to evict the victim if she refused. When she declined, he made both girls stand outside in the rain. Over the following two weeks, Johnson continued to contact the victim despite being blocked. On one occasion, he paid her $100 for sex; on another, he tried to trade food for sexual favors.
Evidence also showed that Johnson attempted to pay another underage girl—aged fifteen—for sex even after she disclosed her age via text message.
Homeland Security Investigations arrested Johnson in August 2024. In a recorded statement, he admitted paying the 16-year-old victim for sex after learning her age and expressed an interest in girls “on the cusp of womanhood.”
Sentencing is scheduled for March 18, 2025 before United States District Court Judge Lance M. Africk. Johnson faces a minimum of ten years imprisonment up to life, fines up to $250,000, supervised release from five years to life, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and special assessment fees.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson commented: “Today’s conviction – and the presentation of the chilling testimony and evidence which, over the past few days, painted a stark picture of the grim realities of human trafficking – must serve as both a wake-up call and a warning to parents, citizens, and law enforcement officials alike, that the exploitation of at-risk youth is a very real, clear and present danger. My thanks go to the tremendous prosecution team, our Homeland Security Investigations partners, and our Victim Assistance team for bringing this predator to justice. We must, and will, remain vigilant in identifying and relentlessly pursuing those who commoditize our children.”
Homeland Security Investigations Deputy Special Agent in Charge Matt Wright stated: “HSI’s victim-centered approach focuses on supporting victims while investigating and bringing offenders like JOHNSON to justice,” adding that HSI remains committed to addressing human trafficking threats through collaboration with other agencies.
The case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood—a Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating child sexual exploitation by coordinating federal resources with state and local law enforcement agencies.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson acknowledged Homeland Security Investigations along with several other agencies—including Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office; United States Marshals Service; Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives; as well as his office’s Victim-Witness Unit—for their roles in investigating this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Carboni and Public Integrity Unit Chief Jordan Ginsberg led the prosecution.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood or internet safety education resources related to child exploitation prevention efforts by federal authorities visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
