Three North Jersey Men Charged in Human Trafficking and Sexual Assault Case Involving Minor

State prosecutors allege the defendants targeted a 13-year-old girl for prostitution and sexual abuse, including the production of explicit images, in a case spanning multiple cities.

NEWARK, N.J. — Three men from Essex and Union counties have been charged with multiple serious crimes, including human trafficking, sexual assault of a minor, and the production of child sexual abuse material, according to an announcement from Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice.

The defendants are:

Mickael Derius, 30, of Newark
Terry D. Nero, 44, of Elizabeth
Jonathan O. Ramirez, 29, of East Orange

Authorities allege the men played separate but interconnected roles in the sexual exploitation of a 13-year-old girl during the summer of 2025.

“Crimes like those we are charging against these defendants, committed against our vulnerable children, are appalling,” said Acting Attorney General Davenport. “We allege the defendants in this case targeted a 13-year-old child for prostitution and sexually assaulted her. These are crimes that affect their victims for the rest of their lives. My office will always prioritize protecting our children.”

Allegations and Charges

According to court filings and statements made by investigators, the case began on August 19, 2025, when the Newark Police Department contacted the New Jersey State Police Human Trafficking Unit regarding a missing juvenile who was under the care of the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency.

“This case points to the dangers our children can face today,” said DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton. “The Division of Criminal Justice will pursue and prosecute offenders who traffic or assault children and record images of those assaults.”

Investigators later located the victim, who reported that:

Derius picked her up in Newark and sexually assaulted her, along with another adult male.
He allegedly paid the victim $300 and arranged multiple commercial sex encounters involving her.
Derius is also accused of arranging sexual encounters between the victim and other men, including co-defendant Terry Nero.

Derius is charged with:

First-degree human trafficking of a minor
First-degree aggravated sexual assault by aiding and abetting
First-degree promoting prostitution of a minor
Two counts of second-degree sexual assault
Third-degree endangering the welfare of a child

Nero is charged with:

First-degree aggravated sexual assault by aiding and abetting
Four counts of second-degree sexual assault
Second-degree promoting prostitution of a minor
Third-degree endangering the welfare of a child

Ramirez, according to investigators, met the victim through social media and allegedly sexually assaulted her beginning in February 2025. Authorities say he recorded the assaults. He is charged with:

Four counts of first-degree manufacturing and filming the sexual assault of a minor
Second-degree sexual assault
Third-degree endangering the welfare of a child

Potential Penalties

First-degree crimes carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $200,000.

Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000.

Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.

“The charges filed against these three defendants underscore the brutal reality of crimes that target our most vulnerable—our children,” said Lieutenant Colonel David Sierotowicz, Acting Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of minors are among the most disturbing offenses we investigate, and they demand an aggressive, uncompromising response. Protecting children is not optional; it is our obligation. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue these investigations and hold those responsible fully accountable.”

The charges and accusations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Anyone who suspects that individuals are engaged in sex- or labor-related human trafficking should confidentially report such activity by calling the Division of Criminal Justice’s 24-hour NJ Human Trafficking Hotline 1-855-END-NJ-HT. In addition, members of the public who suspect improper contact by persons communicating with children on the Internet or possible exploitation or sexual abuse of children can contact the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Tipline at 888-648-6007.