Atlanta man charged with trafficking of disabled adult

ATLANTA — Attorney General Chris Carr announced that Felipe Smith, 24, of Atlanta, has been indicted in Clayton County in a case that involves the trafficking of an adult female with a developmental disability. Specifically, the defendant is alleged to have transported and provided the victim to buyers at various hotels around metro-Atlanta for the purpose of performing commercial sex acts.

Smith is further alleged to have benefitted financially from the sale of the victim. These acts are alleged to have a connection to the defendant’s association with the criminal street gang PDE. This case is being prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking and Gang Prosecution Units.

“Alongside our partners at GBI, we have located an adult victim with a disability in a first-of-its-kind case for our Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit,” Carr said. “We’re fighting each day to protect our most vulnerable Georgians, and that includes our ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and gang activity in every one of our communities. We will not rest in our pursuit of justice for this young woman and survivors across our state.”

This case was investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit, along with the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking and Gang Prosecution Units. The defendant was taken into custody with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service.

“The GBI’s HEAT Unit works closely with the Georgia Attorney General’s Office to seek justice for victims,” GBI Director Chris Hosey said. “This case reveals the heinous nature of the crimes we investigate. We will continue to work with our public safety partners to hold people accountable for these vicious acts.”

The Attorney General’s Human Trafficking and Gang Prosecution Units presented evidence to a Clayton County Grand Jury on Dec. 6, resulting in the indictment of Felipe Smith. The charges against the defendant include:

6 counts of trafficking of persons for sexual servitude;

3 counts of violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act.

The statewide Gang Prosecution Unit is based in Atlanta, with regional, satellite prosecutors and investigators in Albany and Augusta.

Special Photo: Governor’s Office