Tennessee – According to court documents, a 45-year-old Tennessee man was indicted on multiple charges after a chain of events that resulted in the death of a newborn baby.
The charges include trafficking for commercial sexual acts, promoting prostitution with minors aged 12 to 18, continuous sexual abuse of a child, and aggravated statutory rape.
Earlier this year, authorities responded to a disturbance call and found a 16-year-old girl who claimed that the defendant, later identified as 45-year-old J.
Bothe, had dropped her off after she gave birth about two hours earlier. The teenager claimed that while the defendant was driving her to the hospital, she unexpectedly gave birth to a baby girl.
Security footage shows Bothe arriving in a dark SUV, approaching a dumpster behind a gas station, and throwing away a black plastic bag. Investigators identified Bothe as the vehicle’s owner, linking him to the scene.
The unidentified girl told authorities in Tennessee that the defendant drove her to the hospital after she went into labor.
She gave birth to a baby girl while en route. According to the 16-year-old, the defendant then took the baby, wrapped her body in a black plastic bag, and dumped it in a trash can behind a gas station.
She also stated that she had been in a relationship with the defendant for three years. Authorities stated that the defendant impregnated the girl and is the father of the newborn.
Initially, the 45-year-old defendant was charged with corpse abuse. However, on March 7, 2025, Judge SheiIa dismissed this charge citing a “lack of prosecution.”
Despite the dismissal, Boothe remains in custody and faces five additional charges based on evidence gathered during the investigation.
The District Attorney’s Office emphasized that dismissing the abuse of a corpse charge does not end the case.
They stated that Bothe has been indicted on five new charges, and that the abuse of a corpse allegation is still being reviewed for potential further action. The 45-year-old man is being held on a $1.25 million bond, according to court records.
This incident has had a profound impact on the Memphis community, prompting discussions about adults’ legal responsibilities in relationships with minors and the tragic consequences of such situations.
The case is still unfolding, with authorities determined to seek justice for the victim and address the serious allegations against Boothe.
