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'She's Not a Pimp': Georgia Sorority Embroiled in Bizarre Investigation

A former Fort Valley State University employee and graduate Alpha Kappa Alpha member is at the center of a sprawling probe of sexual misconduct.
Photo by Melanie Stetson Freeman/The Christian Science Monitor via Getty Images

Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) is one of the oldest and most prestigious black sororities in the country, claiming Wanda Sykes, US senator Kamala Harris, and author Toni Morrison among its most most notable members. But now one chapter at a Georgia college has become embroiled in bizarre allegations of sexual misconduct centering on one of its advisers, who until recently was employed at the school.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, AKA graduate adviser Alecia Johnson stepped down from her position at Fort Valley State University amid an investigation of possible criminal sexual misconduct at the school's chapter. Records showed that Johnson stepped down from her position as the school's special events director the same day AKA's national office announced it would be investigating what it has described as "unauthorized activities and misconduct involving current and former members."

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The "unauthorized activities" may refer to allegations that some newly initiated AKA members were involved in a "sex ring" to help pay for their sorority fees, Atlanta-based blog Rolling Out reported, leaning on anonymous sources said to be close to the situation.

In addition to AKA's national organization, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the University Systems of Georgia were all said to be conducting investigations into the allegations.

"Nothing has been substantiated by us," GBI Agent J.T. Ricketson told local press. "We've made no arrests."

According to Atlanta's Channel 2, Johnson is currently a person of interest in the probe, though she's not been officially charged or arrested. On Monday, Johnson's attorney Adrian Patrick maintained his client's innocence.

"She's not a pimp, and she's not a madam—none of that," he told Channel 2.

While the investigation continues, AKA has been disqualified from participating in sorority activities, making it just the latest of America's many Greek organizations to face allegations of hazing, sexual misconduct, and flat-out inappropriate behavior.

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