New Orleans Schoolteacher Convicted of Sex Trafficking 16-Year-Old Girl from Mississippi

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that on December 10, 2025, following a three-day trial, a federal jury convicted AARON TEROD JOHNSON (“JOHNSON”), age 37, from New Orleans, of Sex Trafficking of a Minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1591(a)(1) and 1591(b)(2), as well as, Coercion and Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Prostitution, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2422(b).

Speaking to today’s conviction, Acting United States Attorney Simpson stated:

“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’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.”

According to evidence that was introduced at trial, JOHNSON, a New Orleans schoolteacher, learned on social media that a 16-year-old girl, had run away in February 2024. The next day, JOHNSON found and saved a screenshot of her social media page on his cellular phone. The day after she was reported missing again, in March of 2024, JOHNSON contacted the victim.  JOHNSON learned that the victim and a friend were stranded in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Late on the evening of March 14, 2024, JOHNSON drove from his home in New Orleans to Vicksburg, picked up the victim and her friend at 1:30 a.m., and immediately returned to New Orleans using backroads. On the ride back, JOHNSON offered the victim alcohol and marijuana. When asked whether he intended to harm them, JOHNSON responded that he would not because he believed the victim and her friend were the ages of the kids he taught.

JOHNSON brought the victim and her friend back to his apartment in New Orleans. JOHNSON told the victim and her friend that they could sleep in his bed and that he would sleep in another room. After they fell asleep, however, JOHNSON got into the bed with the juvenile and her friend and began groping them, prompting the victim and her friend to go into the living room.

When his attempts at seduction were unsuccessful, JOHNSON attempted to make the victim feel guilty for being unwilling to sleep with him after he had picked them up. When that failed, knowing the victim’s financial instability and lack of a place to go, JOHNSON coerced the victim to have sex with him in exchange for money and, ultimately, paid her $200 to do so.

Shortly thereafter, JOHNSON told the victim that she had to have sex with him again for free or he would kick her out. JOHNSON pressured the victim by, among other things, reminding her that he had taken a risk in going to pick her up. When the victim refused, JOHNSON made the victim, and her friend stand outside in the rain.

Over the next two weeks, JOHNSON continued to contact the victim, even after she blocked his phone number. On one occasion, JOHNSON went to a home where the victim was staying and had sex with the victim in exchange for $100 in cash. On another occasion, JOHNSON learned that the victim was hungry and offered to take her to get seafood. When they arrived at the restaurant, JOHNSON asked the victim what she would do in exchange for food.

Evidence introduced at trial showed that JOHNSON also attempted to pay a fifteen-year-old female for sex. Even after this juvenile disclosed via text message that she was fifteen years old, JOHNSON continued to pursue her.

JOHNSON was arrested by HSI agents in August of 2024 and gave a lengthy recorded statement. During his statement, JOHNSON admitted that he paid the victim to have sex with him after learning that she was sixteen years old. He further acknowledged that he was interested in girls who were “on the cusp of womanhood.”

Sentencing has been scheduled for March 18, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. before United States District Court Judge Lance M. Africk. JOHNSON faces a minimum sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $200 mandatory special assessment fee. The defendant also faces supervised release for a term of five years to life, and a requirement that he participate in the sex offender registration and notification program.

Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations, Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, the United States Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in investigating this matter. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson also recognized the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Victim-Witness Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Carboni and Public Integrity Unit Chief Jordan Ginsberg were in charge of the prosecution.

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