Byron man sentenced in trafficking case involving 13-year-old girl
Demaria Marshawn Williams was sentenced to 25 years after pleading guilty to statutory rape and pandering involving a 13-year-old girl.
WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Byron man has pleaded guilty in connection with the trafficking and sexual exploitation of a 13-year-old girl in Houston County, according to the Office of Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr.
36-year-old Demaria Marshawn Williams pleaded guilty on Wednesday to one count of statutory rape and one count of pandering of a person under age 18. He was sentenced to 25 years, with the first eight years to be served in prison and the remainder on strict probation. Williams must also register as a sex offender.
Attorney General Chris Carr said Williams is the fourth and final defendant convicted in the case.
“Four predators are off our streets and behind bars thanks to the dedicated work of our Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit,” Carr said. “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.”
According to the Attorney General’s Office, the investigation began after the 13-year-old disclosed she had been sold for sex in Warner Robins. Investigators determined Williams responded to online ads posted for the child, traveled to a Houston County hotel where she was being harbored and sexually assaulted her.
Three other defendants were previously indicted and convicted in the case.
Emma-Lee Garcia was convicted in May 2025 of five counts of trafficking of persons for sexual servitude and sentenced to 40 years, with the first 18 years to be served in prison. She must also register as a sex offender.
Noe Borromeo Hernandez was convicted in August 2025 of trafficking of persons for sexual servitude, two counts of child molestation and one count of statutory rape. At the time, Carr’s office said he was sentenced to 25 years, with the first 10 years to be served in prison. Carr’s office said Hernandez has an ICE detainer and is expected to be deported after completing his prison sentence.
Brian Tequan Smith was convicted in October 2025 of two counts of trafficking of persons for sexual servitude, one count of aggravated child molestation and one count of statutory rape. He was sentenced to 25 years, with the first five years to be served in prison and the remainder on strict probation. He must also register as a sex offender.