Human Trafficking Investigation Leads to Multiple Charges After Squatters Found in Vacant Marietta Apartment

MARIETTA, Ga. — What began as a call about squatters inside a vacant apartment has led to a human trafficking investigation and multiple felony charges, according to the Marietta Police Department.

Officers responded on May 27 to the 730 Franklin Gateway apartment complex after maintenance workers reported people unlawfully occupying a vacant unit.

Maintenance personnel unlocked the apartment for officers, who found three males and two juvenile females sleeping inside.

During the investigation, officers discovered that 17-year-old Keatron Jones of Marietta had an outstanding aggravated assault warrant and took him into custody.

Police also found that one of the males, a juvenile, had been reported missing. He was taken to Marietta Police headquarters and reunited with his family.

The third male, identified as 18-year-old Jadon Mitchell of Marietta, had no outstanding warrants at the time and was released.

The two juvenile females were both listed as missing runaways and appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance. Both were transported to a local pediatric hospital for medical treatment.

Marietta detectives continued investigating the case, working with the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office. Authorities said the investigation developed into a human trafficking case.

As a result, investigators have filed the following charges:

• Damian Downing was charged on June 18 with Removal of a Monitoring Device, Obstruction, Trafficking of Persons for Sexual Servitude, Crossing Guard Lines with Marijuana, and Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act.
• Jadon Mitchell was charged on June 29 with Trafficking of Persons for Sexual Servitude and First-Degree Burglary.
• Keatron Jones was charged on June 30 with Trafficking of Persons for Sexual Servitude and First-Degree Burglary.
• The juvenile male located in the apartment has also been charged through a juvenile complaint.

Police said Mitchell remains wanted and is not in custody. Authorities are asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact law enforcement. Anonymous tips may be submitted through the Marietta Police Department’s mobile app or by contacting Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS (8477).

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective Moore at 770-794-5345.