Barry M Johnson, Interstate Sex Trafficking Conspiracy, Kansas 2024

TOPEKA, KAN. — Barry M. Johnson, a 40-year-old Topeka resident, has pleaded guilty to conspiring to operate an interstate sex trafficking business, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall.

In his plea, Johnson admitted his involvement in a Topeka-based prostitution ring that spanned Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. The operation employed up to 20 females as prostitutes at times, with Johnson personally recruiting and grooming potential sex workers for the group.

The organization utilized websites, social media, and cell phones to advertise sexual services and monitor its prostitutes. Johnson would inform the ring leader of new recruits and negotiate payment details. The leader rented houses where some prostitutes were allowed to live, further entrenching the operation’s reach.

Sentencing for Johnson is scheduled for February 6, with both parties agreeing to recommend a sentence of 46 months in federal prison.

Co-defendants Frank Boswell, Michaela Hekekia, Rachel Flenniken, Sean P. Hall, and Shannon Nelson are either set for trial on January 3 or awaiting sentencing on January 23.

Beall credited the Topeka Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney for their efforts in bringing Johnson to justice.

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The indictments contain only allegations of criminal conduct.