Sex Trafficking

Dmarcus Antwain Ward Arraigned for the Sex Trafficking of Two Minors Victims Were Taken to Alabama, Used for Prostitution

March 12, 2010 - ATLANTA, GA—DMARCUS ANTWAIN WARD, 25, of Minden, Louisiana, has been arrested and arraigned today by a United States Magistrate Judge. WARD faces federal charges of sex trafficking of minors and transporting his minor victims in interstate commerce for purposes of prostitution. WARD was indicted on the charges last week by a federal grand jury in Atlanta.

Acting United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said of the case, “The troubling reality is that sex traffickers frequently target destitute young runaways who need food and housing. We are committed to aggressively prosecuting anyone who exploits children through sex trafficking.”

Acting FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Steve Ivison said, “Law enforcement efforts to crack down on human trafficking in Atlanta proceeds with a heightened sense of urgency. This is especially true with regard to the investigation and apprehension of individuals engaged in trafficking and sexually exploiting children. The FBI, in establishing its Metro Atlanta Child Exploitation Task Force, has demonstrated its commitment to combating child prostitution in the Metro Atlanta area and beyond.”

According to Acting United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: From late September 2009 through November 7, 2009, WARD allegedly transported two minors, under the age of 18, to Birmingham and back to Atlanta on separate occasions, causing both juveniles to engage in prostitution in both cities. He is charged with two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transportation for prostitution.

The sex trafficking charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison, while the transportation charges carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Each count carries a fine of up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.

Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government's burden to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

This case is being investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. If anyone has any information about human trafficking, they are encouraged to report said information to the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 404-679-9000.

Assistant United States Attorney Susan Coppedge is prosecuting the case.