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…