Stacey Abrams’ relative arrested for minor abuse, sex trafficking.
OAN’s Brooke Mallory
4:46 PM – Friday, November 17, 2023
According to Tampa officials, Jimmie Gardner, the brother-in-law of former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, was taken into custody on allegations of sex trafficking.
The 57-year-old was detained on Friday, according to Tampa police, for allegedly trying to have sex with a 16-year-old girl.
Gardner met the juvenile at 1:43 a.m. and invited her to his room at the Renaissance Hotel at the International Plaza, according to a press statement from the Tampa Police Department.
After the girl accepted his invitation, he reportedly offered her money in exchange for sex, according to authorities.
“The victim initially agreed but later told Gardner that she no longer wanted to engage and he became angry,” the release said. “Gardner advised the victim that she needed to leave his hotel room. The two got involved in a verbal altercation that escalated to a physical dispute after Gardner placed his hands around the victim’s neck, impeding her breathing. After the dispute, Gardner left the hotel room, and the victim called 911.”
Gardner had already left the hotel when police arrived, however, they still discovered the victim there.
Gardner was reportedly assigned to the Tampa Police District 1 Office, according to authorities. He was taken into custody on accusations of human trafficking for commercial sex with a victim under the age of 18, lewd or lascivious contact of a juvenile by anyone 24 years of age or older, and a misdemeanor battery charge.
The 13th Judicial Circuit Office of the State Attorney reported that Gardner was cleared 27 years after being found guilty in 1987 of sexually assaulting two women in West Virginia.
Leslie Abrams Gardner, a federal judge, and he were married two years after his release.
“Everyone is entitled to the presumption of innocence. Our attorneys will prosecute this case as we would any other offender who is alleged to have committed these crimes. We take these charges very seriously,” State Attorney Suzy Lopez said.
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What charges has Jimmie Gardner been arrested on?
Title: Jimmie Gardner, Brother-in-Law of Stacey Abrams, Arrested on Sex Trafficking Charges
Introduction
In a shocking turn of events, Jimmie Gardner, the brother-in-law of former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, has been taken into custody on allegations of sex trafficking. The 57-year-old was arrested by Tampa officials for allegedly attempting to engage in sexual activities with a 16-year-old girl.
The Incident
According to a press statement from the Tampa Police Department, Gardner met the juvenile at 1:43 a.m. and invited her to his room at the Renaissance Hotel at the International Plaza. It is alleged that after the girl accepted his invitation, Gardner offered her money in exchange for sex.
However, the situation took a disturbing turn when the victim changed her mind. In response, Gardner became angry and confronted her. The altercation escalated to a physical dispute, with Gardner placing his hands around the victim’s neck, impeding her breathing. Eventually, Gardner left the hotel room, and the victim immediately called 911.
Police Response
Although Gardner had already left the hotel when the police arrived, they were able to find the victim at the scene. Subsequently, Gardner, who was reportedly assigned to the Tampa Police District 1 Office, was apprehended on multiple charges. These include human trafficking for commercial sex with a victim under the age of 18, lewd or lascivious contact of a juvenile by anyone 24 years of age or older, and a misdemeanor battery charge.
Previous Offense
Interestingly, it has been revealed that Gardner was convicted in 1987 for sexually assaulting two women in West Virginia. However, after 27 years, the 13th Judicial Circuit Office of the State Attorney cleared him of these charges. Following his release, Gardner married Leslie Abrams Gardner, who currently serves as a federal judge.
Conclusion
The arrest of Jimmie Gardner on sex trafficking charges is a deeply distressing incident, particularly due to his familial ties within the political sphere. The allegations against him must be thoroughly investigated, and justice should be served if he is found guilty. This case serves as a reminder that no one, regardless of their background, is above the law.
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