Nashville sex-trafficking prosecutor fired

An assistant prosecutor who founded The Hannah Project that helps victims of sex trafficking has been fired from the Nashville District Attorney's office.

Antoinette Welch, well known in Nashville for her work combating human trafficking, said in an email to The Tennessean she found out Sunday via an unsigned, courier-delivered letter she was being terminated.

"I can confirm that she is no longer with the office," said Dorinda Carter, a spokeswoman for District Attorney Glenn Funk. Carter did not know how Welch's departure would impact The Hannah Project, a program that helps prostitutes and victims of trafficking through education and guidance in the court system. Welch started the program in 2011.

Welch's firing is the latest in Funk's overhaul after he took office in September. An analysis of human resources records by The Tennessean found that 17 — now 18 — assistant prosecutors have left the office in the past year, for a variety of reasons.

Most recently to gain media attention was the firing in March of Brian Holmgren, a child abuse prosecutor. Funk would not comment on reasons for that firing, saying his office does not discuss personnel issues.

But the day after Holmgren's last day, Funk announced about 130 child physical and sexual abuse cases had not been acted upon. Some of those cases were in the unit Holmgren supervised.

Funk has made moves to create dedicated prosecution units on key issues, including a beefed-up domestic violence support team. And less than two weeks ago, Funk announced that Welch would be part of new unit dedicated to cracking down on sex trafficking. Those in the unit include Assistant District Attorney Zoe Sams and Assistant District Attorney Vince Wyatt.

"The office continues to be committed to the issue of human trafficking and supporting victims," Carter said.

Welch had worked in the office since 2008. In November she prosecuted a man whose case was believed to be the first conviction of a customer of sex trafficking in the state. That man, Michael Kohlmeyer, was sentenced to 22 years in prison in April.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Reach Stacey Barchenger at 615-726-8968 or on Twitter @sbarchenger.