State alleges victims were threatened, assaulted and forced into prostitution
TRENTON, N.J. — Four men have been indicted on racketeering, human trafficking and other charges after New Jersey prosecutors alleged they operated a violent scheme that forced two women into commercial sex acts through threats, physical violence and drugs.
According to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office and the Division of Criminal Justice, Keith B. Woodson, 40, of Camden; Lee A. Byrd, 62, of Philadelphia; Raymond H. Cooper, 48, of Sicklerville; and Andre A. Lindsey, 41, of Woodlynne were indicted on multiple charges, including first-degree racketeering, first-degree conspiracy to commit human trafficking, first-degree promoting organized street crime, first-degree human trafficking by threat of harm and first-degree human trafficking by drug facilitation.
Prosecutors allege Woodson forced at least two women to engage in commercial sex acts in exchange for money and narcotics.
According to the indictment, Woodson allegedly advertised one victim on websites used to solicit commercial sex, rented hotel rooms, arranged meetings with patrons and collected the money she received. Prosecutors allege the victim acted out of fear that Woodson would physically harm her, withhold food or threaten members of her family if she attempted to leave.
Authorities also allege Woodson recruited a second victim in Camden by promising she could earn $1,000 a day. Prosecutors claim he later supplied her with narcotics and demanded she turn over the proceeds from commercial sex acts. The indictment alleges Woodson threatened and assaulted the woman, including choking her until she nearly lost consciousness, and threatened to kill both her and her family.
Investigators allege Byrd, Cooper and Lindsey assisted in trafficking one of the victims by transporting her to hotels, standing watch outside and collecting the proceeds. Prosecutors also allege Cooper supplied drugs that were provided to one of the victims.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, all four defendants allegedly carried firearms during the operation.
The indictment also includes third-degree conspiracy to promote prostitution, third-degree conspiracy to commit financial facilitation of criminal activity and other offenses.
The case was investigated by the Division of Criminal Justice Human Trafficking Unit.
The charges are allegations, and all four defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Four men have been indicted on racketeering, human trafficking and related charges.
- Prosecutors allege two women were threatened, assaulted and forced into commercial sex acts.
- The investigation was conducted by the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice Human Trafficking Unit.
