Attorney General Chris Carr has announced the indictment of three individuals in Houston County for trafficking a 13-year-old girl. The accused are Emma-Lee Garcia, Noe Borromeo Hernandez, and Brian Smith.
Carr emphasized the state's commitment to combating human trafficking, stating, "We’re fighting to combat human trafficking in every corner of our state because protecting Georgia’s children is our top priority." He added that those involved in child exploitation will face legal consequences: "Whether a buyer or a seller, those who engage in the sexual exploitation of a child will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law."
The Attorney General's Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit began its investigation after learning from the victim that she had been sold for sex in Warner Robins, Georgia. Emma-Lee Garcia is accused of advertising and selling the minor for commercial sex and financially benefiting from these actions. Noe Borromeo Hernandez and Brian Smith allegedly purchased the child for sex, with Smith further accused of soliciting her again after their initial encounter.
Law enforcement agencies involved in arresting the defendants include the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, Perry Police Department, Warner Robins Police Department, and U.S. Marshals Service.
The charges presented to a Houston County Grand Jury on December 10 resulted in indictments against all three defendants. Emma-Lee Garcia faces five counts related to trafficking for sexual servitude. Noe Borromeo Hernandez is charged with one count each of trafficking for sexual servitude and statutory rape, along with two counts of child molestation. Brian Smith faces two counts of trafficking for sexual servitude and one count each of statutory rape and child molestation.
The Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit was established by Attorney General Carr in 2019 with support from Governor Brian Kemp and other state leaders. Since then, it has secured 50 criminal convictions and assisted nearly 200 children.
Indictments represent allegations only; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.