Topeka man gets four life sentences for sex crimes

TOPEKA (KSNT) – A judge sentenced a Topeka man to four life sentences Friday for multiple child sex and human trafficking charges.

Prosecutors said Dennis Johnson abducted minors, took them to isolated locations and coerced them into sex using drugs, alcohol and money. Court testimony detailed how Johnson lured three children into his vehicle with the idea of running errands of giving them rides a short distance away. He then would drive victims away from familiar locations, taking them to Douglas County. He was arrested in March 2024 while police investigated reports of a missing minor.

In February, a jury found Johnson guilty of the following 15 counts:

• Count 1 & Count 7: Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child (Lewd Fondling with Child Under 14 and Offender 18 or Older).
• Count 2 & Count 8: Aggravated Human Trafficking (Sex Act – Victim Under 14, Offender Over 18).
• Count 3, Count 9, & Count 13: Kidnapping (Taking by Deception to Facilitate Commission of Any Crime).
• Count 4, Count 10, & Count 14: Aggravated Interference with Parental Custody.
• Count 5 & Count 11: Contributing to a Child’s Misconduct or Deprivation.
• Count 6: Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
• Count 12: Attempted Aggravated Human Trafficking (Hiring a Child for Sexual Activity).
• Count 15: Distribute or Possess with Intent to Distribute an Opiate, Opium, Narcotic, or Stimulant Drug.

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