Former teacher sentenced to 33 years for sex trafficking child following ICE HSI New Orleans investigation

NEW ORLEANS - Aaron Johnson, 38, a former schoolteacher, was sentenced Aug. 19 in federal court following a comprehensive ICE Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans probe into his role in sex trafficking a child. Johnson was sentenced to 33 years in prison and lifetime supervised release after his Dec. 8, 2025, convictions for sex trafficking a child and coercion and enticement of a child to engage in prostitution.

"As a schoolteacher at the time of his crimes, Johnson knew how vulnerable children are and chose to use that knowledge to exploit a runaway minor instead of protecting her," said HSI New Orleans acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Wright. "That kind of calculated abuse of a position of trust is among the most egregious conduct we see in human trafficking and child exploitation cases. While no sentence can undo the trauma he inflicted, I am proud of the tireless commitment of our special agents and law enforcement partners who worked to ensure this predator was brought to justice."

HSI New Orleans launched its investigation in March 2024, after receiving reports of a missing girl. Investigators found that while working as a teacher, Johnson used social media to contact the girl, who identified herself as a runaway stranded in Vicksburg, Mississippi. He facilitated her travel from Vicksburg to his private residence in New Orleans.

Instead of bringing her to authorities, Johnson exploited the girl's vulnerable situation by having sex with her on multiple occasions. He communicated his awareness of the illicit nature of his actions by referencing his credibility as a teacher.

On March 28, 2024, HSI and the U.S. Marshals Service located and recovered the girl at a residence in Orleans Parish. Officials arrested Johnson Aug. 15 that year.

Following Johnson's arrest, federal agents executed a search warrant on his mobile devices. The digital forensic analysis uncovered evidence of the former teacher attempting to solicit commercial sex from a 15-year-old girl.

Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin's leadership, ICE is once again focused on enforcing the law, protecting the public and removing dangerous individuals from our communities.

If you have information about human trafficking or related crimes, call the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423).

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