Tennessee man convicted in Bowling Green sex trafficking case

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A Tennessee man has been convicted of sex trafficking following a two-day trial.

A federal jury has convicted 38-year-old Porter Govan of Memphis, Tennessee on all five sex-trafficking related counts he was charged with, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Officials say Govan’s co-defendant, 25-year-old Brittany Howard of Bowling Green, pled guilty to her involvement in the case.

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Evidence presented during the trial established the two had met a victim at a gas station in Bowling Green and convicted her to go to a hotel room, where the victim was recruited and enticed to engage in commercial sex, officials say.

After two shopping trips in Tennessee, authorities say the victim was convinced to seek a commercial sex customer with Howard.

That’s when officials say the victim alleged Goven began beating and sexually assaulting her. Howard allgedly helped with intimidation efforts.

Upon being discovered by police, officials say Govan attempted to interfere wit the investigation by having Howard lie for him and prevent the police from speaking to the victim. After his arrest, officials say he sought to obstruct the prosecution by passing letters to Howard in the jail instructing her to lie.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 25, 2025, and Howard will face a sentencing hearing on March 9, 2025.