TRENTON, NJ – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) today announced a significant development in a human trafficking case spanning New Jersey and Pennsylvania. A state grand jury indicted Nieem Johnson, 40, and Thomas Fulcher, 54, on multiple charges related to human trafficking and sexual assault.
The indictment comes as New Jersey observes Human Trafficking Prevention Month, underscoring law enforcement’s dedication to eradicating modern-day slavery and bringing traffickers to justice. Johnson, with a last known address in Philadelphia, faces a 16-count indictment, including first-degree human trafficking, sexual assault, and promoting prostitution of a minor. His alleged co-defendant, Fulcher, of Marlton, is charged with second-degree sexual assault and engaging in prostitution with a minor.
These charges follow a months-long investigation by the New Jersey State Police Missing Persons and Human Trafficking Unit and other agencies, leading to Johnson’s arrest on August 31, 2023, in Atlantic City. The investigation was initiated after a 15-year-old victim escaped from a Burlington County hotel, alleging captivity and sex trafficking by Johnson.
Investigators uncovered online advertisements offering the juvenile for prostitution, linking Johnson to the ads. A second female victim was also identified and rescued during Johnson’s arrest. It is alleged that Johnson used threats and physical violence to coerce the victims into commercial sex acts for financial gain.