Florida Man Accused of Human Trafficking Enters Guilty Plea

United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announces that United States District Court Terry F. Moorer accepted the guilty plea of Tee-Henry Wulu Currens, 22, on May 23, 2019, to the violation of 18 United States Code 2421-Transporting Any Individual in Interstate Commerce Intending to that Individual Engage in Prostitution.

In January 2019, Currens first met the female victim (FV) while she was working as a prostitute in Jacksonville, Florida, initially becoming her client.  Soon after, Currens volunteered to work as his victim’s driver and provide her with security. The FV told investigators that Currens became abusive, controlling, and forced her to meet with clients, and Currens would subsequently keep all the money from the trafficking event.  The FV stated that Currens would force her to have sex with clients and that he would physically beat her if she refused to be trafficked.
 
On or about March 1, 2019, Currens drove the FV from Panama City, Florida to the Mobile, Alabama area for the purpose of trafficking her during Mardi Gras celebrations.
 
On March 02, 2019, the Robertsdale Police Department received a 911 call from the FV, who had managed to get away from Currens during a stop at a local gas station.   The FV reported that she had been kidnapped by Currens out of Florida and brought to Alabama to engage in prostitution.    Upon their arrival, Robertsdale Police noted the FV was visually upset and had bruising on her head, face, and legs consistent with assault.
 
Currens made post Miranda statements to law enforcement where he admitted to the FV’s account of how the two had met. Currens also admitted that the two were from Florida and travelling to Mobile for the purpose of having the FV engage in prostitution.  He stated they had argued while in Florida, where the FV had asked that he leave, but Currens refused.

The Robertsdale Police Department, Department of Homeland Security, Mobile Field Office investigated this case.  “Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery, and the threats and abuse inflicted on these particular victims only adds to the heinous nature of the crime,” said Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Atlanta Nick S. Annan. “HSI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to find and prosecute criminal traffickers while ensuring the victims of this terrible crime are rescued and get the care they need.” Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Baugh prosecuted the case for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama.