Justice Served: Ohio Man Found Guilty in Human Trafficking Case of Minor
On Wednesday, Attorney General Chris Carr announced the conviction of Anthony Charles Holmes, 33, from Cleveland, for human trafficking. Holmes was found guilty of transporting a 16-year-old female from South Carolina to Atlanta to engage in commercial sex acts, following a press release detailing the case. The victim, who had been reported missing in South Carolina, was recovered on August 2, 2023, after a traffic stop initiated by the Greene County Sheriff’s Office.
The Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit presented evidence to a Greene County jury, which returned its verdict on Monday after a five-day trial. Holmes was convicted on all counts of the indictment, including Trafficking of Persons for Sexual Servitude, Trafficking in Cocaine, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, among other charges. Sentencing is scheduled for November 13.
Co-defendant Jameesha Harris, who aided in the transportation of the victim for commercial sex, previously pleaded guilty to human trafficking and related charges.
“Thanks to the leadership of our Governor and First Lady, law enforcement officers in Georgia are better equipped to identify signs of human trafficking, saving lives in the process,” Carr stated. “As soon as this 16-year-old victim was recovered, our team worked diligently to ensure every one of her traffickers was brought to justice, which we have achieved with this conviction.”
Case Summary
The incident unfolded on August 2, 2023, when a Greene County Sheriff’s Deputy, conducting highway interdiction, noticed a white Cadillac sedan making an improper stop at the intersection of GA-15 and GA-77. Holmes was driving the vehicle, with Harris and the 16-year-old female as passengers. Upon observing the traffic violation, the deputy activated his emergency lights to initiate a stop. However, Holmes fled, leading to a pursuit that involved the Taliaferro County Sheriff’s Office after he crossed into their jurisdiction.
After deploying a pit maneuver, deputies discovered that the 16-year-old passenger had been reported missing not only in South Carolina but also previously in Ohio. Given the circumstances and multiple red flags indicating she might be a victim of sex trafficking, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office contacted the GBI’s HEAT Unit for assistance. The Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit soon joined the investigation.
During the pursuit and subsequent investigations, deputies recovered a firearm, over 28 grams of cocaine prepared for distribution, more than an ounce of marijuana, and other evidence. Holmes and Harris were indicted by the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit on October 31, 2023. Harris was convicted on April 8, 2024, for one count of Trafficking of Persons for Sexual Servitude, one count of Trafficking in Cocaine, and one count of Possession of Marijuana. She received a sentence of 25 years, with the first 10 years to be served in prison, followed by strict probation. Harris is also required to register as a sex offender.
Guilty Verdict
On Monday, Holmes was found guilty of multiple charges, including:
- 1 count of Trafficking of Persons for Sexual Servitude (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-46(c)(2))
- 1 count of Trafficking in Cocaine (O.C.G.A. § 16-13-31(a)(1)(A))
- 2 counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-106(b)(1) and O.C.G.A. § 16-11-106(b)(4))
- 1 count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-131(b))
- 1 count of Possession of Marijuana (O.C.G.A. § 16-13-30(j)(1))
- 1 count of Fleeing and Attempting to Elude a Police Officer (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-395(c)(1))
- 1 count of Window Tint Violation (O.C.G.A. § 40-8-73.1(b)(2))
