Georgia Woman Sentenced to 40 Years for Trafficking and Pimping of Family Member

OREST PARK, GA – Virginia Anne Bates, 37, of Forest Park, pleaded guilty in DeKalb County to multiple charges of human trafficking and pimping after exploiting a 16-year-old relative and an 18-year-old female for commercial sex. As part of her sentence, Bates will serve the first 25 years in prison, followed by strict probation, and must register as a sex offender.

According to court records, Bates admitted to knowingly harboring and facilitating commercial sexual activity for both victims. She collected proceeds from the sexual servitude of the two females and assisted in photographing and advertising them for sexual encounters with buyers. Investigators say Bates also transported the 16-year-old victim to additional locations for commercial sex acts.

The investigation began in November 2021 when the 16-year-old victim, living with Bates at the time, was reported during a mental health crisis. Law enforcement discovered signs that the child had been trafficked, but the victim subsequently ran away and was listed as an active missing juvenile. Bates maintained contact with the teen while she was missing, eventually arranging for her to be exploited.

The 18-year-old victim was also coerced into commercial sex acts by Bates. Both victims were ultimately recovered, with the 16-year-old located in March 2023.

Bates was arrested on March 25, 2024, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team, Forest Park Police Department, and Clayton County Police Department.

The case was investigated by the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit under Chief Investigator Bryan Kimbell and prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Maggie Meetze.

Attorney General Chris Carr said, “For anyone to harm a child is unconscionable, but when that abuse and exploitation occurs at the hands of a family member, it’s all the more sickening. Human trafficking comes in all forms, and it takes all of us working together to identify the signs and save lives. We will not rest until every predator is behind bars.”

In total, Bates pleaded guilty to four counts of trafficking for sexual servitude and three counts of pimping. Her sentencing underscores the state’s commitment to holding traffickers accountable and protecting vulnerable children from exploitation.