GREENE COUNTY, Ga. — An Ohio man and woman were recently indicted for their roles in the trafficking of a South Carolina teen in metro Atlanta, according to Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr.
A Greene County Grand Jury indicted both the defendants on Tuesday, Oct. 31.
“Yet another victim has been recovered, and two people who we allege were engaged in her trafficking are now facing serious charges,” Carr said.
During a traffic stop in August, Greene County Sheriff's Office deputies encountered the group near Greensboro. They tried to stop the man's car, citing an equipment violation when he sped away, according to authorities.
Along with the Taliaferro County Sheriff's Office, the deputies chased the man and finally stopped his car using the PIT maneuver. With the car finally stopped and deputies able to see the occupants in the car, Greene County deputies saw signs that the 16-year-old was being trafficked, and several agencies got involved in the teen's recovery.
RELATED: 16-year-old South Carolina teen listed as Ohio runaway sold for sex in metro Atlanta, GBI says
Investigators said that the girl was reported as a missing runaway out of Ohio. Law enforcement authorities said the man and the woman allegedly took the girl from South Carolina to Greene County in Georgia, where they reportedly continued to exploit her.
The 32-year-old man and 21-year-old woman were indicted on charges of:
- Human trafficking
- Trafficking cocaine
- Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute
- Possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime
- Contributing to the delinquency of a minor
The man also faces other charges, including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, fleeing and eluding and various traffic-related charges.
“This recent indictment serves as a reminder of how valuable our partnerships with local and state law enforcement are to holding offenders accountable," said Taliaferro County Sheriff Tia McWilliams
If one witnesses human trafficking, suspects someone is being exploited for sex or needs help, call Georgia's human trafficking hotline at 1-866-ENDHTGA (1-866-363-4842). Trained law enforcement agents, advocates and first responders are available 24/7 to answer calls.