Amanda Gunn, Sex Trafficking Conspiracy, Georgia 2024

AUGUSTA, Ga. – In a shocking turn of events, Amanda Gunn, 34, a/k/a "Amanda Howard," of Augusta, has admitted to participating in a child sex trafficking conspiracy in which her former husband, Michael Gunn, 36, of Evans, awaits trial.

According to federal authorities, Amanda Gunn pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to one count of Sex Trafficking Conspiracy, a charge that carries a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, up to life in prison, with no parole in the federal system. The plea agreement comes just after a pre-trial conference.

"As this disturbing case continues to move forward, we continue to be determined to find justice for the victim and hold accountable those guilty of this horrific exploitation," said David H. Estes, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. "This plea is an unmistakable message that our law enforcement partners established a significant and undeniable body of evidence establishing Amanda Gunn/Howard’s culpability."

"By pleading guilty, Amanda Gunn/Howard admits that she was involved in one of the most heinous crimes that we investigate as a law enforcement agency, and for that she will be punished," said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. "The FBI has zero tolerance for the sex trafficking of children and will continue to work tirelessly to protect children and to prosecute those involved in exploiting them."

Michael Gunn, Amanda Gunn’s former husband, is still awaiting trial for his alleged involvement in the conspiracy. He was originally indicted in March 2020 by a U.S. District Court Grand Jury charging him with four counts of Production of Child Pornography and one count of Possession of Child Pornography. A superseding indictment earlier this year added charges of Sex Trafficking Conspiracy; Sex Trafficking of a Child; Coercion and Enticement of a Child to Engage in Sexual Activity; and Obstruction of a Child Sex Trafficking Investigation.

In a related case, Jonathan Eugene Grantham, 45, of Graniteville, S.C., is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty in U.S. District Court to Coercion and Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity. FBI agents initiated the investigation of Grantham, a former Aiken County high school teacher, with information derived from the Gunn investigation.

The continuing investigation is being conducted by the FBI and is being prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney and Project Safe Childhood Coordinator Tara M. Lyons.

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