On Monday, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced that the state’s new Human Trafficking and Gang Prosecution Unit have secured the conviction of Johnny Howard and Tre’Shawn Smith for their involvement in criminal gang activity and human trafficking in Dougherty County. Another individual, Bryant Hooker, was also convicted of directing criminal gang activity while in federal custody. They are all members of the Inglewood Family Gangster Bloods, and have each been sentenced to prison.
“Gangs are actively engaged in human trafficking as a primary means to make money, and the Inglewood Family Gangster Bloods is no different,” said Carr. “When we created our Human Trafficking and Gang Prosecution Units, we promised to go after these criminal networks and those who prey on our most vulnerable Georgians, and that is exactly what we are doing. Whether they are operating in our communities or behind prison walls, anyone who directs or participates in this illegal activity will be held accountable.”
The case was investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the Georgia’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, which was formed under Republican Georgia Governor Brian Kemp in 2019.
“Criminal street gangs commit heinous crimes across Georgia and target even the most vulnerable in our communities,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “This conviction is a testament to the commitment of the GBI’s Gang Task Force to make our streets safe. We are grateful for the partnership with the Georgia Attorney General’s Office to address this important public safety issue.”
A press release from Carr’s office detailed the convictions and sentences of the individuals.
Johnny Howard was sentenced to 45 years, with the first 20 years to be served in prison. He was convicted of:
- 2 counts of Trafficking of Persons for Sexual Servitude
- 4 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
- 3 counts of Violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
Tre’Shawn Smith was sentenced to 30 years, with the first 15 years to be served in prison. He was convicted of:
- 2 counts of Trafficking of Persons for Sexual Servitude
- 6 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
- 3 counts of Violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
- 1 count of Pimping
Bryant Hooker was sentenced to 25 years, with the first 10 years to be served in prison. He was convicted of:
- 4 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
- 3 counts of Violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
