FBI takes over human-trafficking case

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - A convicted felon is in FBI custody after being arrested in Albuquerque for human trafficking.

Joseph Johnson attacked the woman he called his girlfriend while driving along Central Avenue, according to the Albuquerque Police Department report, .

Police say Johnson attacked Juanita Neil Tuesday afternoon after picking her up along Central where he forced her to walk the streets.

Neil told police he asked her for money, and when she told him she didn't have any he beat her up, then pushed her out of his car.

Police say the two moved to New Mexico three weeks ago from California.

"That's why they came here, because he'd been here before," APD Officer Robert Gibbs said.  "He was familiar with the area, knew the area is frequented for doing prostitution work."

At around 1 a.m. Wednesday, police say Johnson found Neil hiding near a business on Central.

They say he threatened to kill her if she didn't get in his car, and when she did, he stabbed her in the leg then forced her out of the car and drove off.

She went to a restaurant on Central Avenue for help. Police were called and Neil told them what happened.

She also showed him bruises all over her body that she said were caused by Johnson.

She told officers where she could find Johnson, and they picked him up a short time later and arrested him.

He's charged with aggravated battery and human trafficking. The FBI took over on the case because it involves human trafficking, which is a federal crime.

"He basically coaxed her into becoming a prostitute," said Gibbs.

Johnson has felony warrants in California and Maryland. Here in New Mexico, online court records show he was sentenced in 2003 to one year of prison and two years probation on drug charges.

Police are waiting for a warrant to search Johnson's car. His girlfriend claims he had a gun, and if it is found in the car, another felony charge will be added to the list.