A New Jersey human trafficker who exploited a minor among four victims was sentenced to nearly 18 years in prison

A Newark man with a history of trafficking minors is headed back to federal prison after exploiting multiple women across state lines.
A New Jersey human trafficker who exploited a minor among four victims was sentenced to nearly 18 years in prison
The seal of the United States Department of Justice is seen on the building exterior of the United States Attorney's Office of the Southern District of New York in Manhattan, New York City

TRENTON, N.J. — A Newark man was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison Thursday for trafficking multiple women, including a minor, across state lines for sex, following his conviction on a slate of prostitution-related charges.

Amin Sharif, 50, was found guilty by a jury in July 2024 of five federal crimes: sex trafficking of a minor, transporting a victim with intent to engage in prostitution, persuading a victim to travel for prostitution, attempted transportation with the same intent, and using an interstate facility to promote unlawful activity. U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp handed down the sentence in Trenton federal court.

The case, prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, stems from a January 2021 FBI investigation that uncovered Sharif’s cross-country trafficking network. Authorities say Sharif used fake identities and social media profiles to lure victims from New York, Pennsylvania, Idaho, and Utah, promising them money, housing, and bill payment.

Among the four victims was a minor whom Sharif advertised online for more than 30 sexual encounters. Investigators testified that he made false promises of financial independence to exploit vulnerable women for profit.

Sharif has a prior federal conviction for transporting a minor for prostitution and previously served a 10-year prison sentence for that offense.

20-year supervised release imposed

In addition to the nearly 18-year prison term, Judge Shipp ordered Sharif to serve 20 years of supervised release following his incarceration. No parole exists in the federal prison system.

According to court documents and trial evidence, Sharif’s crimes were marked by a pattern of manipulation and deception, as he posed under multiple aliases and used digital platforms to reach his victims.

Key Points

  • Amin Sharif, 50, was sentenced to 210 months in prison for sex trafficking and related offenses
  • Sharif recruited women and a minor from four states using false promises and online aliases
  • He has a prior conviction for similar crimes and will also serve 20 years of supervised release