Fort Smith, ARK – A man from Fort Smith, Arkansas, who was initially accused of sex trafficking in the Osage Beach area this summer, has avoided a jury trial by pleading guilty to a lesser charge.
Johnnie Wesley Jackson, 43, had originally faced felony charges for third-degree promoting prostitution after being arrested in connection with sex trafficking activities around the Lake of the Ozarks region. However, on Tuesday, Jackson entered a guilty plea to a misdemeanor charge of patronizing prostitution involving individuals 18 years and older.
In exchange for his guilty plea, Jackson received a sentence of 145 days in jail. He was credited for time already served, meaning his time behind bars will be significantly reduced. Additionally, Jackson was ordered to pay $119.50 in court costs.
The charge he pled guilty to is classified as a class-B misdemeanor in Missouri, a conviction on par with a first-time drunk driving offense.
The case stems from an investigation into alleged sex trafficking activities earlier this year, with Jackson being one of several individuals linked to the operation. His plea deal marks the end of his legal proceedings in the case, though it remains part of the ongoing efforts to address prostitution and trafficking in the region.