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.

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Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News