Not For Sale: Atlanta Sex Trafficker Sentenced To 21 Years

EDITOR'S NOTE: As Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta approached, Patch devoted exclusive coverage to the issue of human trafficking as it related to one of the world's biggest sporting events. Now that the game is over, Patch remains committed to covering this international plague with our continuing focus on local efforts to combat the crime.

ATLANTA -- A man who lured young women from rural South Carolina to Atlanta and forced them into prostitution has been sentenced to federal prison for sex trafficking and witness tampering. On Tuesday, Quintavious Obie was sentenced to 21 years in prison. Obie was originally indicted for sex trafficking in 2018 but continued to harass and intimidate victims and was charged with witness tampering as well.

“Obie lured his victims into prostitution and after he was arrested continued to harass and intimidate them,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “Sex trafficking exploits and traumatizes some of the most vulnerable members of our society. We are sending a clear message to those seeking to engage in this type of criminal activity: you will be caught and prosecuted.”

Obie lured the women to Atlanta with promises of a lucrative lifestyle. However, once they arrived in Atlanta, they were forced into a life of prostitution through mental and physical abuse. The victims were forced to engage in prostitution and to turn over to Obie all of the money they received. His victims were not allowed to go anywhere without his knowledge nor see anyone unless they were a paying client. Any deviation from his rules brought severe punishment.

Obie was indicted for sex trafficking in January 2018. However, this did not stop Obie from continuing his pattern of harassment and victimization. Specifically, from January 2018 to April 2018, Obie had others call and text his victims to have them retract their statements to law enforcement in an effort have his case dismissed. As a result, he was also charged with witness tampering.

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