November 18, 2023, HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL – Jimmie Gardner, brother-in-law of former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, was arrested in Florida. The charges against Gardner include human trafficking, battery, and lewd or lascivious touching of a minor. This information comes from the Office of the State Attorney for the 13th Judicial Circuit.
Gardner, a youth motivational speaker, was detained in Hillsborough County without bond. His first court appearance is scheduled in Tampa. The incident leading to his arrest occurred at the Renaissance Hotel at International Plaza, where Gardner allegedly engaged in sexual acts with a 16-year-old girl and then assaulted her.
The Tampa Police report states that Gardner met the minor around 1:43 a.m. and invited her to his hotel room, initially offering payment for sexual activities. The situation escalated into a physical altercation after the girl declined and Gardner reportedly choked her, impeding her breathing.
Gardner, who had previously served 25 years in prison for sexual assault charges in West Virginia before being exonerated, left the scene but later turned himself in at the Tampa Police District 1 Office. He faces charges of human trafficking, lewd and lascivious touching of certain minors, and battery.
Gardner is married to U.S. District Court Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner, sister of Stacey Abrams. Judge Gardner was appointed by former President Barack Obama in 2014 and confirmed unanimously by the Senate. Fox News Digital has contacted Abrams and Judge Gardner for comments on the matter
