A 22-year-old man from Florida has pleaded guilty to human trafficking charges in Alabama after transporting a woman across state lines for prostitution, authorities said.
Tee-Henry Wulu Currens, 22, entered a guilty plea to violating 18 United States Code 2421, which prohibits transporting individuals in interstate commerce with the intent that they engage in prostitution.
According to prosecutors, Currens met the female victim in January 2019 while she was working as a prostitute in Jacksonville, Florida. He initially became her client, but soon began working as her driver and providing her with security.
However, the victim told investigators that Currens became abusive and controlling, forcing her to meet with clients and keeping all the money from the trafficking events. The victim also stated that Currens would physically beat her if she refused to engage in prostitution.
On March 1, 2019, Currens drove the victim from Panama City, Florida to the Mobile, Alabama area for the purpose of trafficking her during Mardi Gras celebrations.
On March 2, 2019, the Robertsdale Police Department received a 911 call from the victim, who had managed to escape from Currens during a stop at a local gas station. The victim reported that she had been kidnapped by Currens and brought to Alabama to engage in prostitution.
Currens made post-Miranda statements to law enforcement, admitting to the victim’s account of how they met and traveled to Alabama for prostitution. He also admitted to arguing with the victim in Florida, where she had asked him to leave, but he refused.
Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery, and the threats and abuse inflicted on these particular victims only add to the heinous nature of the crime, said Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Atlanta Nick S. Annan.
The Robertsdale Police Department, the Department of Homeland Security, Mobile Field Office investigated this case, with Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Baugh prosecuting the case for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama.
The outcome of the case was a guilty plea, with no further information on sentencing or punishment available at press time.
Tee-Henry Wulu Currens, 22, pleaded guilty to violating 18 United States Code 2421, which prohibits transporting individuals in interstate commerce with the intent that they engage in prostitution.
Key Facts
- State: Alabama
- Category: Human Trafficking|Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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