(AP) - A New Brunswick man has denied accusations that he carried out killings as part of his role in a criminal enterprise that brought people into the country illegally to work in New Jersey brothels.



Twenty-seven-year-old Wilmer Chavez-Romero pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, racketeering, conspiracy to harbor aliens resulting in death and other offenses Tuesday in Newark federal court.



Chavez-Romero was allegedly the "enforcer" of a large-scale prostitution ring that operated in Cumberland, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties.



Prosecutors say Chavez-Romero committed assaults and robberies to attack rival operations, punished disloyal members of the organization and carried out killings.



Chavez-Romero, also known as "Charmin," is said to have been the house manager for the group's Bridgeton brothel.



He faces a possible sentence of life in prison if convicted.