New Orleans, Louisiana – A New Orleans schoolteacher has been convicted in federal court of sex trafficking a minor and coercing a child to engage in prostitution, following a three-day trial that highlighted the risks faced by vulnerable and runaway youth.

Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that a federal jury on Dec. 10, 2025, found 37-year-old Aaron Terod Johnson, of New Orleans, guilty of:

• Sex Trafficking of a Minor, in violation of Title 18, U.S. Code, Sections 1591(a)(1) and 1591(b)(2)
• Coercion and Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Prostitution, in violation of Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 2422(b)

Sentencing is scheduled for March 18, 2025, at 2 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk. Johnson faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, a $200 mandatory special assessment, and a supervised release term of five years to life. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.

Prosecutors: Social Media, Runaway Status Exploited

According to evidence presented at trial, Johnson learned through social media in February 2024 that a 16-year-old girl had run away. The next day, he found her social media page and saved a screenshot of it on his cellphone.

In March 2024, after the teen was reported missing again, Johnson contacted her and learned that she and a friend were stranded in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Late on the night of March 14, 2024, Johnson drove from his home in New Orleans to Vicksburg, picked up the victim and her friend around 1:30 a.m., and drove them back to New Orleans using backroads.

During the drive, Johnson offered the teen alcohol and marijuana. When asked if he planned to harm them, Johnson allegedly replied that he would not because he believed the girl and her friend were the same age as the students he taught.

Groping Allegations And Coercive Sexual Demands

Once in New Orleans, Johnson brought the victim and her friend to his apartment. He told them they could sleep in his bed and that he would sleep elsewhere, but after they fell asleep, he got into the bed with them and began groping them, according to testimony. The teen and her friend then moved to the living room.

When attempts at what prosecutors described as “seduction” failed, Johnson tried to make the victim feel guilty for refusing to sleep with him after he had picked them up and driven them back to Louisiana.

Prosecutors said that, aware of the teen’s unstable finances and lack of housing, Johnson then coerced her into having sex with him in exchange for money, ultimately paying her $200.

Shortly after that encounter, Johnson told the victim she had to have sex with him again for free or he would kick her out, according to evidence. When she refused, Johnson put the victim and her friend outside in the rain.

Continued Contact And Additional Payments For Sex

Over the following two weeks, Johnson continued to contact the victim, even after she blocked his phone number. Trial evidence showed that:

• On one occasion, Johnson went to a home where the victim was staying and had sex with her in exchange for $100 in cash.
• On another occasion, after learning that the victim was hungry, Johnson offered to take her to get seafood. Once at the restaurant, he asked her what she would do in exchange for food.

Prosecutors presented additional evidence that Johnson tried to pay a 15-year-old girl for sex. Even after the teen disclosed by text message that she was 15, Johnson continued to pursue her.

Recorded Statement: Interest In Girls “On The Cusp Of Womanhood”

Johnson was arrested by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents in August 2024. During a lengthy recorded statement, he admitted paying the 16-year-old victim to have sex with him after learning her age, and acknowledged that he was interested in girls who were “on the cusp of womanhood,” according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Federal Officials: Case Highlights Human Trafficking Threat To Youth

Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson said the trial presented “chilling testimony and evidence” and described the exploitation of at-risk youth as a “very real, clear and present danger.” He thanked the prosecution team, HSI, and the Victim Assistance team, and said federal authorities would remain “vigilant in identifying and relentlessly pursuing those who commoditize our children.”

Homeland Security Investigations Deputy Special Agent in Charge Matt Wright said HSI uses a “victim-centered approach” that focuses on supporting victims while investigating and prosecuting offenders. He said the agency is committed to working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other law enforcement partners to address human trafficking and related crimes that threaten public safety.

Part Of Project Safe Childhood

The case was brought under Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative launched in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The program coordinates federal, state, and local resources to:

• Locate and apprehend individuals who sexually exploit children
• Prosecute offenders in federal court
• Identify and rescue child victims

More information about Project Safe Childhood and internet safety education is available at www.usdoj.gov/psc.

Agencies Credited In Investigation

Simpson praised the work of:

• Homeland Security Investigations
• Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office
• U.S. Marshals Service
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives

He also recognized the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Victim-Witness Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Carboni and Public Integrity Unit Chief Jordan Ginsberg handled the prosecution.