DEFENDANT GUILTY OF PIMPING 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL

Earnest Barnard Clayton Will Be Sentenced Monday, January 29th

Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard announces the conviction today of Earnest Barnard Clayton on pimping, pandering and statutory rape charges. The 27-year-old Clayton was found guilty by a Superior Court jury after a five day trial. He could be sentenced to 20 years in prison on each conviction. Clayton pled guilty previously to possession of cocaine.

Assistant District Attorney Tanya Miller presented evidence this week that the defendant arranged for the15-year-old victim to have sex with men for money. She and a 16-year-old girl testified the defendant would take them to various apartments throughout the metro Atlanta area, force them to have sex with five to ten men at a time—and keep all of the money. The 15-year-old was discovered at Clayton’s home by police in June of 2005 when they went to arrest him on other pimping charges.

ADA Miller was assisted in the investigation and prosecution of this case by Assistant District Attorney Chuck Boring, DA Investigator Antonio Long and DA Victim-Witness advocate Janel Wheeler.

Clayton will appear before Superior Court Judge Christopher Brasher at 9:00 a.m. Monday, January 29, 2007 for sentencing.

CONTACT: Lyn Vaughn, 404.730.6860 (office); 770.597.6963 (cell); lyn.vaughn@co.fulton.ga.us