Seven Indicted as Human Trafficking Rings in North and South Jersey Dismantled

Investigations Found Essex County Juvenile Sex Trafficking Victims Were Beaten and Threatened, While Bridgeton Residence Served as Brothel, Drug Trafficking Hub

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, alongside the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) and the New Jersey State Police (NJSP), announced the indictment of seven defendants connected to two distinct human trafficking rings uncovered in Essex and Cumberland counties. Both operations exploited vulnerable individuals for profit, using coercion and violence to sustain their enterprises.

Essex County: Juvenile Sex Trafficking and Abuse

In Essex County, investigators discovered a trafficking operation targeting three juvenile girls aged 13 to 15. According to the indictment, defendants Khailah Meekins, 21, and Donte Barkley, 28, of Newark, used online platforms to advertise nude photos of the victims and arrange sexual encounters through smartphone applications.

Victims were reportedly transported to short-term rentals and hotels, where they were assaulted by paying patrons. Investigators found that the minors were subjected to brutal physical violence, including hair-pulling, biting, and being struck with an electrical cord. The alleged traffickers also imposed strict control over the victims through threats and detailed instructions on what acts they were to perform.

Barkley is accused of organizing the encounters and setting prices, while Meekins collected payments. Barkley allegedly received a cut of the profits generated by the assaults.

Richard Johnson, 24, of Irvington, had been previously indicted in August for aggravated sexual assault and other charges related to paying for sex with one of the minors.

Cumberland County: Brothel and Drug Hub in Bridgeton

The second case centered on a house in Bridgeton, identified as a combined brothel and drug distribution hub. Usiel Luna, 42, and alleged accomplices Jose Perez-Lopez, 40, Rosendo Vazquez-Hernandez, 35, and Yerson Puentes-Marquez, 28, all of Bridgeton, were indicted for operating the scheme.

According to the investigation, women were recruited under false pretenses, often believing they were hired as dancers, and transported to the North Laurel Street residence. Upon arrival, the victims were compelled to perform sex acts for numerous men and were forbidden to leave. Weekly, new victims were allegedly brought in from Queens, New York, and Paterson, New Jersey, and forced into sexual servitude.

Law enforcement seized methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and over $50,000 in cash during the operation. Investigators uncovered evidence of violent activities within the residence, further compounding the trauma endured by the victims.

Combating Human Trafficking

The successful dismantling of these operations highlights the effectiveness of the Human Trafficking Unit, formed in January 2023 under Attorney General Platkin. The Unit trains law enforcement to identify victims and signs of trafficking, coordinates victim support services, and pursues criminal networks exploiting individuals for profit.

“There is no tolerance for the exploitation of anyone, especially in this dehumanizing way,” said Attorney General Platkin. “My office has made the investigation and prosecution of human trafficking a top priority. We urge members of the public to call our confidential hotline, 855-END-NJ-HT, if they are being victimized or see someone who they suspect is being subjected to this type of exploitation. We will investigate, and we will prosecute.”

The NJSP Human Trafficking Unit, the DCJ Human Trafficking Unit, and the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office conducted the investigations. The prosecution is being led by DCJ Deputy Attorneys General Lisa Queen, Amie Hyde, and Jaclyn Dowd, under the supervision of Bureau Chief Laura Magnone and DCJ Deputy Director Jillian Carpenter.

Support for Victims

Victims of human trafficking and those with knowledge of such activities are encouraged to report incidents through the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.