New Orleans Teacher Charged with Sex Trafficking of Minor

A New Orleans school teacher, Aaron Terod Johnson, 36, has been charged with sex trafficking involving a 16-year-old girl, according to federal authorities. The charges, which include child sex trafficking, were detailed in a federal complaint filed last week. Authorities are now seeking public assistance to identify any additional victims who may have been affected by Johnson's actions. The investigation began when the victim reported that she met Johnson through Facebook. He allegedly arranged to pick her up in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and subsequently drove her to an apartment in New Orleans, where he paid her for sex in March. The affidavit from a Department of Homeland Security investigator cites evidence such as Facebook Messenger communications between the victim and Johnson, as well as video footage of Johnson's vehicle at various locations in Louisiana and at the Mississippi state line, indicating his travel patterns. Johnson is currently in federal custody, and a public defender has been appointed to represent him after the court determined he could not afford legal counsel. However, the defender declined to comment on the case. Authorities have not disclosed the name of the school where Johnson taught or whether it is a public or private institution. Homeland Security Investigations has emphasized the importance of gathering information from the public to uncover any other potential victims linked to Johnson's online activities and teaching background.