Federal Grand Jury Indicts New Jersey Church Leaders on Sex Trafficking Charges
ORANGE, N.J. — In a significant development, a federal grand jury has indicted Treva Edwards, 60, and Christine Edwards, 63, for sex trafficking, forced labor, and conspiracy linked to extensive alleged human trafficking disguised as religious ministry. The indictment, unsealed on Wednesday, reveals a disturbing narrative of abuse occurring at their church, “Jesus is Lord by the Holy Ghost,” operating from an Orange apartment complex.
The charges stem from a years-long investigation, reportedly uncovering a pattern of manipulation where the Edwards targeted vulnerable individuals facing financial or personal crises. Victims were coerced into living at the church and performing unpaid labor, controlled through fears of divine punishment and threats. Allegations include physical and sexual assaults, malnutrition, and sleep deprivation.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon emphasized the severity of the case, stating, “The Department of Justice will not tolerate the exploitation of vulnerable individuals under the guise of faith.” Each sex trafficking charge carries a minimum 15-year sentence, potentially escalating to life imprisonment for grave violations. Both defendants appeared in court, with federal authorities underscoring the importance of addressing human trafficking in the community.
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