U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced the sentencing of Leroy Thomas Joyner, Jr. Friday, a former youth tennis coach from Columbus, Georgia, for unlawfully transporting a minor across state lines with the intent to engage in sexual activity.
A federal judge sentenced the 51-year-old Joyner to 300 months (25 years) in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole. Restitution to the victim will be determined at a later date.
According to court records and evidence presented during Joyner’s trial in January 2024, he previously operated a tennis association in Dale County, Alabama, providing lessons to underprivileged children and teens. In September 2018, law enforcement initiated an investigation after receiving reports of physical abuse by Joyner against a 15-year-old female student.
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The investigation uncovered that Joyner had started a sexual relationship with the victim when she was 13 years old. Trial testimony revealed that Joyner engaged in sexual acts with the minor in multiple states, including Georgia, Louisiana, and South Carolina. This abuse continued until the investigation began in 2018.
“This significant sentence reflects the profound harm Joyner inflicted upon his young and vulnerable victim,” said U.S. Attorney Ross. “I commend the victim’s bravery in coming forward and the diligence of the investigating agencies. Thanks to their efforts, a predator is off the streets, and our communities are safer.”
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FBI Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown added, “Yesterday’s sentencing was the result of law enforcement’s collective efforts to protect the children in our communities. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Dale County Sheriff’s Office for their work on this investigation.”
The FBI Mobile Field Office and the Dale County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation, with the case prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Russell T. Duraski, Tara S. Ratz, and B. Chelsea Wilson.
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