April 29, 2014

Houston Man Sentenced for Sex Trafficking of a Minor

HOUSTON—Alexander Joseph Johnson, 25, has been ordered to prison following his three convictions of transportation, transportation of a minor, and sex trafficking of a minor, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson. Johnson was indicted in August 2013 and pleaded guilty December 16, 2013, to all counts as charged without a plea agreement.

Today, U.S. District Judge Nancy F. Atlas handed Johnson 120 and 128 months for the transportation and transportation of a minor charges, respectively, and 128 months for sex trafficking of a minor. The sentences will run concurrently for a total of 128 months. In handing down the sentence, Judge Atlas commented that he was an adult and should have known better and that hopefully his time in prison would lead him to understand that he cannot exploit young women to make a living. Johnson was further ordered to serve 10 years of supervised release following completion of his prison term. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.

The investigation concluded that Johnson had posted online advertisements for commercial sex with a female in both Houston and Colorado. The 15-year-old victim was forced to perform sex acts with strangers for money and was required to earn $500 an evening and turn that money over to Johnson. When she met her quota, he would “reward” her by having sex with her. Johnson repeatedly gave the young female marijuana and alcohol. Food was provided only at his discretion.

Johnson was arrested August 6, 2013, based on a criminal complaint. He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

An investigation by the Houston FBI Innocence Lost Task Force, which includes such agencies as the Houston Police Department, developed this case using online advertisements for the victim’s services and hotel records from several hotels.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sherri L. Zack.