13 arrested for operating a human trafficking ring in South Jersey
State Attorney General Jennifer Davenport says 15 women were rescued. Those arrested were also dealing drugs, including methamphetamine, crack and fentanyl.
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New Jersey's state attorney general announced the arrests of 13 people who were involved in a human trafficking operation in South Jersey.
The operation was allegedly run by Shalaby Hicks and Nathaniel Clay.
State Attorney General Jennifer Davenport says the two men were working out of the Bel-Air Motor Lodge in Maple Shade and the Riviera Motor Inn in Pennsauken.
Hicks and Clay are also accused of selling methamphetamine, crack and fentanyl.
As part of that operation, investigators say that 15 women were being forced into prostitution.
"Hicks and Clay in turn gave the victims illicit drugs, along with food and lodging," said Davenport.
“Human trafficking survivors are often manipulated, coerced threatened isolated or trapped by addiction or financial dependency," added Theresa Hilton, director of the Division of Criminal Justice.
Those arrested are also facing charges for selling methamphetamine, crack and fentanyl.
Attorney General Davenport is concerned that the FIFA World Cup games in New Jersey could be used as a means for trafficking.
Her office is now spreading the word about trafficking and offering a hotline for anyone in need.
That hotline is 855-363-6548.
