News
News

16 arrested in Douglasville on sex trafficking charges

The arrests came less than two weeks before the Super Bowl in Atlanta.
The arrests came less than two weeks before the Super Bowl in Atlanta.
By J.D. Capelouto
Jan 30, 2019

Authorities in Douglas County last week arrested 16 people who were allegedly part of a human sex trafficking ring, police said.

The stings happened last Wednesday and Thursday, dates that were "specifically selected to be near the Super Bowl," the Douglasville Police Department said in a post on Facebook.

Some advocates say there is a spike in human sex trafficking in the Super Bowl’s host city on the days surrounding the big game.

RELATED: Super Bowl Sting: 33 arrested for sex trafficking

IN-DEPTH: Experts warn of trafficking ahead of Super Bowl 53

Police have not released the identities of the people arrested, but said they face charges including prostitution, pimping, pandering, human trafficking and drug offenses.

MORE: Torpy at Large: Sexual slavery and myth-making at the Super Bowl

Local and federal authorities used “undercover officers, social media sites and local hotel rooms” to make the arrests, police said.

Dozens of school buses made a major statement to combat human trafficking in the heart of Atlanta

About the Author

J.D. is a local news reporter covering intown Atlanta and Atlanta City Hall for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Follow J.D. Capelouto on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Greene County head football coach Darius Robinson, seen here celebrating with his team after a win in October, was relieved of coaching duties after his arrest, the Greene County School District said. (Lance McCurley/Lake Oconee News)

Credit: Lance McCurley/Lake Oconee News

Georgia high school coach choked player, put another in headlock, warrants say

The Greene County High coach was charged with two counts of aggravated assault and one count of simple battery, according to investigators.

Georgia Power, PSC staff strike deal for $16B expansion to power data centers

Georgia Power and the Public Service Commission’s staff unveiled a deal that would allow the utility to build huge amounts of new power plants, mostly to serve data centers.

Warnock renews push for enhanced job training with bipartisan bill

Employers that come to Georgia “are having a hard time finding workers with the education they need,” U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock said in a written statement.

The Latest

Greene County head football coach Darius Robinson, seen here celebrating with his team after a win in October, was relieved of coaching duties after his arrest, the Greene County School District said. (Lance McCurley/Lake Oconee News)

Georgia high school coach choked player, put another in headlock, warrants say

Sweet Tea: Use your time wisely

A.M. ATL: It’s actually happening

Featured

Students line up after school for school buses at Sequoyah Middle School in Doraville on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. The school’s principal told teachers not to talk to students about ICE, and teachers and activists are pushing back. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

DeKalb students raise fears about ICE raids; teachers told not to talk about it

The Sequoyah Middle School community asked DeKalb school officials to better support students who fear ICE.

Two-day effort helps free endangered right whale off Georgia coast

Georgia state officials helped disentangle a North American right whale, one of the most endangered whales on the planet.

Report: Election board member violated conduct code by going to Trump rally

A Georgia Inspector General's report found State Election Board Vice Chair Janice Johnston violated the board's code of conduct by attending a Donald Trump campaign rally.