On Friday, Leroy Thomas Joyner Jr., a former youth tennis coach from Columbus, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Ross for illegally transporting a minor across state lines with the intention of engaging in sexual activity.
The 51-year-old Joyner has been sentenced to 25 years in prison by a federal judge, along with a lifetime of supervised release. It’s important to note that federal inmates are not eligible for parole. The victim’s restitution will be decided at a later time.
Joyner, who had operated a tennis association in Dale County, Alabama, was charged with physical abuse against a 15-year-old female student in September 2018. The court records and evidence presented during Joyner’s trial in January 2024 verified the allegations against him. It was revealed that Joyner had been providing tennis lessons to underprivileged children and teens before the incident.
U.S. Attorney Ross praised the victim’s courage in coming forward and the investigating agencies’ diligence in bringing Joyner to justice. He emphasized the gravity of Joyner’s actions and the harm he caused to his young and vulnerable victim. Ross commended the efforts of all involved in ensuring that a predator is no longer a threat to the community, making it a safer place for everyone.
Paul Brown, the FBI Special Agent in Charge, expressed his gratitude towards the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Dale County Sheriff’s Office for their efforts in protecting the children of our communities. The recent sentencing was a result of the collective work of law enforcement to ensure the safety of children.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Russell T. Duraski, Tara S. Ratz, and B. Chelsea Wilson prosecuted the case, while the investigation was carried out by the FBI Mobile Field Office and the Dale County Sheriff’s Office.
