EX-Con Gets 17+ Years for Sex Trafficking, Exploitation of Minor

Amin Sharif recruited victims across multiple states using false promises and online ads, federal jury found

NEW JERSEY — Amin Sharif, 50, of Newark, has been sentenced to 210 months in federal prison for sex trafficking and related offenses, including the exploitation of a minor, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced. The sentence follows Sharif’s conviction in July 2024 after an eight-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton.

Sharif was found guilty of five charges: sex trafficking of a minor, attempted transportation of a victim with intent to engage in prostitution, use of an interstate facility to promote unlawful activity, transportation of a victim with intent to engage in prostitution, and persuading a victim to travel to engage in prostitution.

“Amin Sharif is a dangerous sex offender who has repeatedly preyed on vulnerable young women and minors in our society. The Court’s sentence will prevent Sharif from harming additional victims and will send a strong signal to would-be traffickers that sex trafficking will not be tolerated in the District of New Jersey and will result in serious sentences.” - U.S. Attorney Alina Habba

According to court records and trial evidence, Sharif operated a cross-state sex trafficking operation, recruiting at least four victims—including one minor—from New York, Pennsylvania, Idaho, and Utah. He used multiple social media profiles and false identities to entice women, offering them housing and financial stability while promising that they could earn thousands of dollars daily under his control.

Sharif advertised the minor victim online for sexual services and arranged for her to engage in prostitution. The FBI began its investigation in January 2021, eventually uncovering Sharif’s recruitment efforts and online advertisements for victims.

This conviction marks Sharif’s second federal offense involving the trafficking of minors. He previously served a 10-year prison sentence for transporting a minor for prostitution.

“Disguised with multiple names and social media profiles, and promising help financially, Sharif instead sexually exploited his victims for his own monetary gain. Sharif ignored the physical and psychological trauma he was causing these vulnerable women and minors. FBI Newark Special Agents, Analysts, and Task Force Officers will stop at nothing to get heinous criminals off the streets, phones, and computers from where they lurk and put them behind bars where they belong,” stated FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly. 

In addition to the 210-month prison term, Judge Shipp imposed 20 years of supervised release.

The investigation was led by the FBI’s Newark Field Office, with support from the FBI’s Rochester, New York Office and the Dansville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Farhana C. Melo and Chelsea D. Coleman of the Criminal Division in Newark prosecuted the case.