Seven individuals have been indicted in two cases of human trafficking in New Jersey, including the exploitation of minors and a brothel operation. In Essex County, three juvenile victims were trafficked and forced into sexual exploitation. The accused individuals used online advertisements to arrange sexual encounters with the minors and subjected the victims to threats and physical violence. In Cumberland County, a man was accused of leading a brothel operation where women were recruited under false pretenses and coerced into sex work. The operation also involved drug distribution.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin emphasized the state’s commitment to combating human trafficking and urged the public to report suspected cases. The charges mark a significant step in dismantling trafficking networks and providing justice for victims. The ongoing work of the Division of Criminal Justice’s Human Trafficking Unit was highlighted as key in tackling this issue. These cases reveal the brutal realities of human exploitation in the state, involving both minors and coerced women.
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