DeKalb County Jury Convicts Two in Human Trafficking Case Involving Teen

DECATUR, Ga.—A jury has convicted two men in DeKalb County on charges related to human trafficking and sexual abuse of a teenage girl. Algie Christian, 79, was found guilty of Trafficking of Persons for Sexual Servitude, Aggravated Sexual Battery, and Child Molestation. Terrill Sanford, 42, was convicted of Trafficking of Persons for Sexual Servitude.

On July 1, 2025, after a jury trial, Christian was sentenced by DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Tangela Barrie to life in prison. Sanford was sentenced to 50 years, with 30 years to be served in custody and the remainder on probation.

The investigation began on July 28, 2022, when DeKalb County Police responded to a motel in Decatur following a report from a security guard who witnessed a woman chasing a juvenile. The juvenile informed first responders that she was trying to escape abuse from her “grandfather,” identified as Algie Christian.

The victim stated that Christian had sexually assaulted her while she lived with him in 2021 and that the abuse continued after they moved to the motel. She also indicated that she had informed Terrill Sanford of the abuse. Evidence suggested Christian had provided financial support to the Sanfords, including paying their motel rent and giving Sanford odd jobs.

Sanford initially told police that Christian was a family friend and church deacon and that he was unaware of the abuse allegations, though he confirmed Christian’s financial assistance. However, another motel security guard testified that Sanford was observed on multiple occasions walking the girl to Christian’s car and leaving her alone with him.

Christian initially denied the allegations but later admitted to sexual contact with the victim.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorneys Ashley Warmack and Rachel Plevak, with assistance from Investigator Haley Hines and Victim Advocate Jenaiya Coleman. Detective G.R. Moore of the DeKalb County Police Department led the initial investigation.