A federal jury in New Orleans has convicted Aaron Terod Johnson, a 37-year-old schoolteacher from New Orleans, on charges of sex trafficking a minor and coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in prostitution. The verdict was delivered on December 10, 2025, after a three-day trial.
According to evidence presented during the trial, Johnson learned through social media that a 16-year-old girl had run away from home in February 2024. He later contacted her when she was reported missing again in March 2024 and found stranded with a friend in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Johnson drove from New Orleans to pick them up late at night and returned using backroads. During the trip back, he offered the victim alcohol and marijuana.
Upon returning to his apartment in New Orleans, Johnson initially told the girls they could sleep in his bed while he would use another room. However, he later entered the bed with them and began groping both juveniles. When these advances were rejected, Johnson attempted to guilt the victim into having sex with him after helping her out of her situation. He then coerced her into sexual acts by offering money and ultimately paid her $200.
Johnson continued to pressure the victim for further sexual encounters, at one point threatening to evict her if she refused. On another occasion, after being blocked by the victim’s phone number, Johnson went to where she was staying and exchanged cash for sex again. Evidence also showed that he tried to pay another underage girl for sex even after learning she was only fifteen years old.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) arrested Johnson in August 2024. During questioning, Johnson admitted paying the victim for sex after knowing she was sixteen 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 between ten years and life imprisonment, up to $250,000 in fines, mandatory special assessment fees totaling $200, supervised release ranging from five years to life, and registration as a sex offender.
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 added: “HSI’s victim-centered approach focuses on supporting victims while investigating and bringing offenders like JOHNSON to justice,” stated Homeland Security Investigations Deputy Special Agent in Charge Matt Wright. “Working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our other law enforcement partners HSI is committed to addressing human trafficking and other crimes that threaten public safety.”
The case is part of Project Safe Childhood—a Department of Justice initiative started in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation by coordinating efforts among federal prosecutors’ offices along with state/local agencies.
Agencies involved included Homeland Security Investigations; Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office; United States Marshals Service; Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives; as well as support from Victim-Witness Unit staff within U.S Attorney’s Office Eastern District Louisiana.
Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Carboni & Public Integrity Unit Chief Jordan Ginsberg led prosecution efforts.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood or internet safety resources visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
