The first of six defendants has been sentenced in federal court for his role in an interstate sex trafficking conspiracy.

Barry M. Johnson, 40, Topeka, Kan., was sentenced to 46 months in prison after earlier pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy. In his plea, he admitted conspiring with co-defendants to run a Topeka-based prostitution business that operated in Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.

At times, as many as 20 females were working as prostitutes for the organization, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said. The leader of the organization rented houses where some of the prostitutes were allowed to live. The organization used Web sites, social media and cell phones to advertise sexual services and to keep track of prostitutes.

Johnson admitted he recruited and groomed potential sex workers for the organization. Johnson would notify the leader of the conspiracy he had a female who was ready to work and they would negotiate how much he would be paid.

Co-defendants include:
Frank Boswell, 43, Topeka, Kan., who is set for jury trial March 7.
Michaela Hekekia, 37, Topeka, who is set for sentencing March 20.
Rachel Flenniken, 34, Topeka, Kan., who is awaiting sentencing.
Sean P. Hall, 47, Topeka, Kan., who is awaiting sentencing.
Shannon Nelson, 23, Topeka, Kan., who is set for sentencing May 1.