GBI Arrests Alpharetta Man in Human Trafficking Investigation

Sparks, GA (September 1, 2021) – On August 31, 2021, the GBI arrested Nicholas Fernandez, 23, of Alpharetta, GA, in Athens and charged him with the following:

• Trafficking of Persons for Labor or Servitude (sex trafficking of a minor) and Enticing a Minor (Cook County charges)

• Trafficking of Persons for Labor or Servitude ((sex trafficking of a minor) (Athens-Clarke County charge))

• Child Molestation (Athens-Clarke County charge)

• Aggravated Child Molestation (Athens-Clarke County charge)

• Statutory Rape (Athens-Clarke County charge)

• Kidnapping (Athens-Clarke County charge)

The GBI also secured warrants in Cook County for Brady Hart, 50, of Chestertown, Kent County, Maryland and charged him with the following:

• Trafficking of persons for labor or servitude ((Sex trafficking of a minor) Cook County charge)

• Two counts of Enticing a minor (Cook County charge)

• Interstate Interference with Custody (Cook County charge)

• Trafficking of persons for labor or servitude ((Sex trafficking of a minor) Athens-Clarke County charge)

• Kidnapping (Athens-Clarke County charge)

• Enticing a minor (Athens-Clarke County charge)

On April 16, 2020, the GBI was requested by the Sparks Police Department to assist with a missing person’s case.  The investigation led agents to Chestertown, Maryland where a 14-year-old girl was found at Hart’s residence.  Further investigation identified Nicholas Fernandez as Hart’s associate.

On July 21, 2021, Fernandez was arrested in Cook County for conspiracy to commit interstate interference with custody, interference with custody, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.   

At this point in the investigation, one victim has been identified.

This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI’s Regional Office in Douglas, GA at (912) 389-4103 or the Sparks Police Department at (229) 546-8211.   Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS(8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.