MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A man was arrested on Thursday, accused of raping a 15-year-old girl and paying her afterwards.
In addition to rape charges, Korey Hanner, 29, was charged with trafficking for commercial sex act charge.
“It arises with a lot of the clients that we see or someone they know. It’s an issue that we confront everyday,” said Exchange Club Family Center Executive Director Barbara King.
King said while her organization does not specialize in trafficking, it has become an issue that has affected many people in the area.
Arrest documents suggested Hanner was staying at the same home as the 15-year-old.
The girl told investigators Hanner offered to pay her for sex when her mother was not home in February.
The teenager said no.
Arrest documents said that was when Hanner forced himself on her and performed a sex act, then gave her $60 in cash.
Several weeks later, Hanner allegedly asked the teenager for sex again.
That time, the girl’s mother was home, and she told her.
“I can’t imagine how terrifying it would be for these young individuals,” King said.
The District Attorney General’s Office refused to tell WREG exactly why Hanner was charged with trafficking but expects it will play out in court.
Tennessee Code § 39-13-309 (2014) said the purchase of a person for a sex act is illegal.
Investigators said Hanner gave the girl money that she had already turned down.
Arrest document said Hanner fled from the home when the teenager’s mother confronted him.
He was arrested Wednesday.
WREG searched for Hanner in Tennessee’s record of current sex offenders.
His name did not come up.
King encouraged anyone who has questions about sexual abuse or domestic violence to contact the Exchange Club at (901) 276-2200.
She said the organization offers counseling and other resources.