Cops uncover alleged sex trafficking network tied to drugs hotels and online ads
TRENTON, N.J. — A sweeping human trafficking investigation spanning multiple New Jersey counties has led to the arrests of 13 people accused of operating a criminal enterprise that allegedly forced women into commercial sex acts while distributing drugs from hotels across the state.
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, the Division of Criminal Justice and the New Jersey State Police announced the arrests Friday following a months-long investigation into a trafficking ring allegedly operating throughout Central and South Jersey.
Authorities identified the accused ringleaders as Shalaby Hicks of Pennsauken and Nathaniel Clay of Mount Laurel, who investigators allege operated a trafficking program in which women were forced to engage in commercial sex acts and surrender all earnings to the organization.
Investigators said the operation stretched across Middlesex, Ocean, Camden and Burlington counties and relied on online advertisements posted to websites including SkipTheGames and MegaPersonals. Victims were allegedly forced to create and post ads promoting commercial sex acts.
Authorities said the enterprise also distributed controlled dangerous substances, including crack cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine. According to investigators, victims were expected to provide drugs to clients seeking narcotics during encounters.
Officials said Hicks allegedly operated part of the organization out of a Pennsauken hotel while Clay allegedly controlled operations from a hotel in Maple Shade. Investigators accused several co-defendants of serving as managers responsible for handling money, drugs and enforcing rules within the operation.
During a May 7 search warrant execution tied to Hicks, investigators recovered approximately 7.79 ounces of suspected crack cocaine, five ounces of fentanyl, 3.77 ounces of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and roughly $5,000 in cash, according to officials.
Search warrants executed at multiple residences and hotels also led to the recovery of 15 victims connected to the trafficking investigation.
Authorities said one suspect, Bernard Dandridge of Sicklerville, allegedly used his residence to manufacture cocaine and was found in possession of 14 ounces of cocaine, two handguns and an assault-style ghost gun rifle at the time of his arrest.
The defendants face a range of charges including racketeering, conspiracy, human trafficking and narcotics offenses. Prosecutors said first-degree human trafficking charges carry penalties ranging from 20 years to life in prison.
Officials credited multiple law enforcement agencies and victim service organizations for assisting in the investigation and helping support survivors.
Key Points
• Authorities charged 13 people in connection with a large New Jersey human trafficking operation
• Investigators said victims were forced into commercial sex acts and drug distribution
• Police recovered drugs, weapons, cash and identified 15 victims during the investigation
