Attorney General Chris Carr announced that prosecutors have charged ten people in Fulton County with human trafficking. In particular, one defendant has been charged in three counts of trafficking in human beings related to the harboring and transportation of a minor and the financial gain of that person’s sexual bondage. The remaining defendants were charged with human trafficking. This charge stems from Operation Not Forgotten 2020, in which the underage victim in this case was recovered.
“At the Justice Department, we take seriously our role in protecting our fellow Georgians and prosecuting those who harass our most vulnerable citizens,” Carr said. “Our human trafficking investigation department remains both proactive and strategic in its approach to identifying potential cases, locating those in need, and apprehending both buyers and sellers. Whether from a demand or supply perspective, those engaged in this criminal industry will be found and held accountable. We have been working on this case for over a year and will continue to investigate all sides of an investigation to ensure justice is done.”
“The Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit is really moving the needle in our fight against the scourge of human trafficking — and that’s exactly why my budget proposals are providing additional funding to further their vitally important mission,” said Gov. Brian Kemp. “With every indictment and arrest, a criminal is removed from our streets and victims are freed from slavery in a life of servitude. Marty, the girls and I are proud to support this effort and will continue to support this work.”
“Before we took office, Brian and I decided that we would do everything in our power to take the fight to buyers and traffickers, so they know that Georgia is a hostile environment for this activity and a safe haven for survivors.” is,” said Georgia First Lady Marty Kemp. “We have made strides – from raising public awareness to survivor legislation to adding more tools to law enforcement’s tool belts – and we have no intention of slowing down. We commend our law enforcement partners in the Attorney General’s office and across the state for working with our family to end human trafficking in Georgia once and for all.”
Over a two week period, Operation Not Forgotten 2020 resulted in the rescue of 26 children, the safe keeping of 13 children and the arrest of nine criminal associates. The US Marshals Service Missing Child Unit coordinated the operation in cooperation with the US Marshals Service Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and other state and local agencies. The Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Office was involved throughout the operation.
As part of Operation Not Forgotten 2020, the US Marshals Service and the College Park Police Department assisted in extricating the victim in this case. The US Marshals Service, the Clayton County Police Department, and the Gwinnett County Police Department helped arrest the defendants.
After an extensive investigation that lasted more than a year, this replacement indictment added eight defendants to a case that originally began with Charges against defendants Steven Stone and Undra Henderson. With today’s announcement, the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Office has indicted a total of 15 defendants this month alone.
The human trafficking prosecutor presented evidence to a Fulton County grand jury, resulting in the indictment of the defendants on January 13, 2022. A summary of the charges against these individuals is included below.
Stephen Stein:
- Knowingly harbored a person under the age of 18 for the purpose of sexual bondage; Charged with 1 count of human trafficking for the purpose of sexual bondage, OCGA § 16-5-46(c).
- knowingly transported a person under the age of 18 for the purpose of sexual bondage; Charged with 1 count of human trafficking for the purpose of sexual bondage, OCGA § 16-5-46(c).
- Knowingly financially assisted a person under the age of 18 for the purpose of sexual bondage; Charged with 1 count of human trafficking for the purpose of sexual bondage, OCGA § 16-5-46(c).
If convicted on all counts, Stone faces a maximum sentence of three life sentences.
MIRACLE HENDERSON:
- Knowingly recruited any person under the age of 18 for the purpose of sexual bondage; Charged with 1 count of human trafficking for the purpose of sexual bondage, OCGA § 16-5-46(c). If convicted, Henderson faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
ALIF MORGAN:
- Knowingly recruited any person under the age of 18 for the purpose of sexual bondage; Charged with 1 count of human trafficking for the purpose of sexual bondage, OCGA § 16-5-46(c). If convicted, Morgan faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
MINTAKA BEY:
- Knowingly recruited any person under the age of 18 for the purpose of sexual bondage; Charged with 1 count of human trafficking for the purpose of sexual bondage, OCGA § 16-5-46(c). If convicted, Bey faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
SHANE BEAN:
- Knowingly recruited any person under the age of 18 for the purpose of sexual bondage; Charged with 1 count of human trafficking for the purpose of sexual bondage, OCGA § 16-5-46(c). If convicted, Bean faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Daniel Callaway:
- Knowingly recruited any person under the age of 18 for the purpose of sexual bondage; Charged with 1 count of human trafficking for the purpose of sexual bondage, OCGA § 16-5-46(c). If convicted, Callaway faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
WARREN WATTS:
- Knowingly solicited any person under the age of 18 for the purpose of sexual bondage; Charged with 1 count of human trafficking for the purpose of sexual bondage, OCGA § 16-5-46(c). If convicted, Watts faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
DEVIN SMITH:
- Knowingly recruited any person under the age of 18 for the purpose of sexual bondage; Charged with 1 count of human trafficking for the purpose of sexual bondage, OCGA § 16-5-46(c). If convicted, Smith faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
TONY TURNER:
- Knowingly recruited any person under the age of 18 for the purpose of sexual bondage; Charged with 1 count of human trafficking for the purpose of sexual bondage, OCGA § 16-5-46(c). If convicted, Turner faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Kerry Barnett:
- Knowingly recruited any person under the age of 18 for the purpose of sexual bondage; Charged with 1 count of human trafficking for the purpose of sexual bondage, OCGA § 16-5-46(c). If convicted, Barnett faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
In 2021, the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Prosecutor’s Office initiated 25 cases, arrested 9 people, investigated and prosecuted 51 suspects, and rescued and assisted 107 victims.
*Members of the public should remember that indictments contain only allegations against the person against whom the indictment is being made. An accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty and it is the government’s responsibility to prove the accused’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt as to the allegations contained in the indictment.
