Tennessee – According to the court documents, a 45-year-old Tennessee man was indicted on multiple charges following a series of events that led to the death of a newborn baby. The charges include trafficking for commercial se* acts, promoting pr-stitution involving minors aged 12 to 18, continuous se-ual abuse of a child, and aggravated statutory r-pe.

Earlier this year, authorities responded to a disturbance call, where they encountered a 16-year-old girl who reported that the defendant, later identified as 45-year-old J. Bothe had dropped her off after she gave birth approximately two hours earlier. The teenager stated that the defendant was transporting her to the hospital when she unexpectedly delivered a baby girl.

Security footage captured Bothe arriving in a dark SUV, approaching a dumpster behind a gas station and discarding a black plastic bag. Investigators identified Bothe as the owner of the vehicle, linking him to the scene.

The unidentified girl told authorities in Tennessee that the defendant had been driving her to the hospital after she went into labor. While en route, she gave birth to a baby girl. According to the 16-year-old, the defendant then took the baby, placed her body in a black plastic bag, and disposed of it in a trash dumpster behind a gas station. She also mentioned that she had been in a relationship with the defendant for three years. Authorities said the defendant lmpregnated the girl and he is the father of the newborn. 

Initially, the 45-year-old defendant was charged with abuse of a corpse. However, on March 7, 2025, Judge SheiIa dismissed this charge due to a “lack of prosecution.” Despite this dismissal, Boothe remains in custody, facing five additional charges based on evidence gathered during the investigation.

The District Attorney’s Office emphasized that the dismissal of the abuse of a corpse charge does not conclude the case. They stated that Bothe has been indicted on five new charges and that the review of the abuse of a corpse allegation continues for potential further action. The 45-year-old man is being held on a $1.25 million bond, court records say.

This incident has profoundly affected the Memphis community, prompting discussions about the legal responsibilities of adults in relationships with minors and the tragic outcomes of such situations. The case continues to develop, with authorities committed to pursuing justice for the victim and addressing the serious allegations against Boothe.