A federal jury has convicted Aaron Terod Johnson, a 37-year-old schoolteacher from New Orleans, on charges of sex trafficking a minor and coercing and enticing a minor to engage in prostitution. The conviction follows a three-day trial and was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
Johnson was found guilty under Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1591(a)(1), 1591(b)(2), and 2422(b). Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Johnson became aware through social media that a 16-year-old girl had run away in February 2024. He saved her social media information on his phone and later contacted her after she was reported missing again in March of the same year.
According to court testimony, Johnson drove from New Orleans to Vicksburg, Mississippi, late at night to pick up the victim and her friend after learning they were stranded. During the drive back to New Orleans, he offered them alcohol and marijuana. Once at his apartment, Johnson made inappropriate advances toward both juveniles.
When his initial attempts were unsuccessful, Johnson pressured the victim by leveraging her financial instability and lack of shelter. He coerced her into having sex with him in exchange for $200. Later, he demanded further sexual acts without payment under threat of eviction.
Johnson continued contacting the victim over the next two weeks despite being blocked on her phone. On one occasion, he paid her $100 for sex at another location; on another occasion, he offered food in exchange for sexual favors.
Evidence also showed that Johnson attempted to pay another juvenile—who disclosed she was fifteen—for sex but persisted even after learning her age.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) arrested Johnson in August 2024. During an interview with authorities, he admitted paying the victim for sex after learning she was sixteen years old and expressed interest in girls “on the cusp of womanhood.”
Sentencing is set for March 18, 2025 before U.S. District Court Judge Lance M. Africk. Johnson faces between ten years and life imprisonment, fines up to $250,000, supervised release ranging from five years to life, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and special assessment fees.
Acting U.S. Attorney 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.”
HSI 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… HSI is committed to addressing human trafficking and other crimes that threaten public safety.”
The case is part of Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating child sexual exploitation—which brings together federal resources with state agencies to prosecute offenders who target children online or offline (more information can be found at www.usdoj.gov/psc).
Simpson acknowledged contributions from Homeland Security Investigations; Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office; United States Marshals Service; Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives; as well as Assistant U.S Attorneys Maria Carboni & Jordan Ginsberg.