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Columbus men sentenced for violent human trafficking, murder
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Two Ohio men were sentenced to life in prison Friday for operating a violent human trafficking ring in south Columbus and murdering a 39-year-old, Attorney General Dave Yost announced.
James Antwan Dukes-Johnson, 29, and Michael Anthony Davis, 22, were convicted on May 8 of multiple felony charges including aggravated murder and human trafficking. The pair were sentenced Friday, with Dukes-Johnson eligible for parole after 96 years and Davis eligible for parole after 81.
According to investigators, Duke-Johnson and Davis forced women into prostitution, then used the money to buy drugs. The pair are among a larger group of six conspirators, who are also found responsible for the fatal shooting of Adrian Smith, 39, two years ago.
The four other participants all pleaded guilty previously. Columbus resident Tyler Leianne Payne, 31, has been sentenced to two years of community control for permitting drug abuse and receiving money involved in a crime. The other three parties are waiting to be sentenced:
Sarah Rose Dotson, 34, of Columbus pleaded guilty to engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, compelling prostitution, trafficking cocaine and owning weapons under disability.
Shahee Siler, 39, of Columbus pleaded guilty to promoting prostitution and involuntary manslaughter.
Alexias Monay Lashel Carr-Johnson, 30, of Marysville pleaded guilty to permitting drug abuse and receiving money involved in a crime.
The group is accused of shooting Smith on the 1900 block of Lockbourne Road on May 31, 2023. Police said Smith was standing in a parking lot when several people in a passing vehicle shot him and another victim, a 31-year-old who survived after being transported to an area hospital. See previous coverage in the video player above.
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