Middle Georgian Pleads Guilty to Rape and Pandering in Houston County Child Sex Trafficking Case
Warner Robins, GA – Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced that Demaria Marshawn Williams, 36, of Byron, pleaded guilty to his role in the trafficking and sexual exploitation of a 13-year-old girl in Houston County, marking the final conviction in a multi-defendant case.
Williams pleaded guilty on February 25, 2026, to one count of Statutory Rape and one count of Pandering of a Person under the Age of 18. He was sentenced to 25 years, with the first 8 years to be served in prison and the remainder on strict probation. He is also required to register as a sex offender for life.
According to the investigation by the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, Williams responded to online advertisements posted by co-defendant Emma-Lee Garcia offering the 13-year-old child for sex. He traveled to a hotel in Houston County where Garcia was harboring the victim and engaged in statutory rape of the minor.
“Four predators are off our streets and behind bars thanks to the dedicated work of our Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit,” said Attorney General Chris Carr. “Once we start an investigation, we won’t rest until every victim is safe and every trafficker is brought to justice. This is exactly why we established a regional office in Macon, and we’re fighting each day to combat human trafficking in our state.”
The case began after the 13-year-old victim disclosed she had been sold for sex in Warner Robins. Investigators identified and indicted three initial defendants in December 2024: Emma-Lee Garcia, Noe Borromeo Hernandez, and Brian Tequan Smith. All three were convicted and sentenced to prison terms. Continued investigation by Chief Human Trafficking Investigator Bryan Kimbell identified Williams’ involvement, leading to his indictment and guilty plea.
Summary of Convictions and Sentences in the Case:
- Demaria Marshawn Williams (Byron): 25 years (8 to serve), sex offender registration Charges: Statutory Rape, Pandering of a Person under 18
- Emma-Lee Garcia: 40 years (18 to serve), sex offender registration Charges: 5 counts of Trafficking of Persons for Sexual Servitude (Posted ads, harbored child in motel for commercial sex, profited financially)
- Noe Borromeo Hernandez (Kathleen – illegal immigrant): 25 years (10 to serve), ICE detainer pending deportation Charges: Trafficking of Persons for Sexual Servitude, 2 counts Child Molestation, Statutory Rape (Purchased child for sex)
- Brian Tequan Smith: 25 years (5 to serve), sex offender registration Charges: 2 counts Trafficking of Persons for Sexual Servitude, Aggravated Child Molestation, Statutory Rape (Molested child, introduced her to Garcia, solicited for sexual servitude)
The case was investigated by Chief Human Trafficking Investigator Bryan Kimbell and prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Maggie Meetze, both of the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, which recently opened a regional office in Macon to strengthen statewide efforts against human trafficking.
