TN Man Charged with Sex Trafficking, Food Stamp Fraud

WASHINGTON - A West Tennessee federal grand jury has indicted a man on four counts of sex trafficking, as well as conspiracy to commit food stamp fraud as a way of supporting his female victims.

Terrence Arnett Yarbrough, aka 'T-Rex,' was indicted on four counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion against two minor and two adult females between June 2006 and August 2009. The indictment alleges that Yarbrough forced the women to commit sex acts for his personal profit.

The indictment also alleges that Yarbrough, Michelle Johnson, and Norma Yarbrough Webb conspired to unlawfully acquire and possess food stamp coupons, authorization cards, and access devices. According to the indictment, while Yarbrough was incarcerated in Lincoln City, Mo., he conspired with Webb to apply for food stamp benefits on his behalf. Webb then submitted an application to the Tennessee Department of Human Services that stated that Yarbrough resided at a particular address in Memphis, Tenn. The indictment also alleges that Johnson used the fraudulently obtained benefits to purchase food at various stores in Missouri. The food stamps, authorization cards, and access devices were valued between $100 and $5,000, and were used to support the female victims.

If convicted of sex trafficking, Yarbrough could face a maximum sentence of life in prison. If convicted of conspiracy, Yarbrough could face a maximum sentence of five years in prison. An indictment is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

The case is being investigated by the FBI.