Self-Proclaimed Pimp Receives 50-Year Sentence for Trafficking Young Woman

A 34-year-old man, Max Francois Joseph, has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for trafficking a young woman. A jury in Gwinnett County found Joseph guilty on three counts of trafficking persons for sexual servitude, two counts of keeping a place of prostitution, and one count of misdemeanor pimping. Gwinnett County Superior Court Judge Deborah Fluker delivered the verdict and sentenced Joseph to 50 years in prison followed by 10 years on probation, along with a requirement to register as a sex offender for life.

Prosecutors from the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Special Victims Unit presented a strong case against Joseph, demonstrating his exploitation of the victim, an 18-year-old woman. Joseph, originally from Florida, forced the victim to engage in sex acts for money at two Norcross motels. He photographed her in lingerie and advertised her on various websites in 2022. Additionally, evidence showed that he trafficked her at motels in DeKalb County and in Florida.

Joseph testified and told jurors he was a pimp.

The quick deliberation of the jury, lasting only about an hour, reflects the strength of the prosecution’s case. Gwinnett County District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson expressed gratitude for the verdict, stating, “We are grateful to take this man off the street and stop the havoc he has brought to this family and to other victims.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Megan Matteucci and Karen Scott Green from the DA’s Special Victims Unit.