On July 1st, 2025, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin announced criminal charges against 8 people involved in operating a human trafficking ring from locations in Trenton and Camden. These individuals operated under the guise of legitimate businesses like plumbing services and barber shops.
In fact, they were operating a sex trafficking ring across five locations where 15 victims were forced into commercial sex work. Some were told they owed tens of thousands of dollars to the traffickers and could not leave until the debt was paid. All of the victims were held under the threat of confinement or violence.
When law enforcement made these arrests, Covenant House New Jersey was there to support the survivors of this terrible human trafficking experience.
Working directly with the Attorney General’s office, Covenant House New Jersey prepared to provide immediate support for these 15 human trafficking survivors. Covenant House New Jersey offered comprehensive care to the survivors, including:
- Emergency shelter
- Trauma-informed counseling
- Legal and case management support
- Long-term recovery planning
Chief of Detectives Weldon Powell emphasized that CHNJ’s services are essential to the success of these operations. He praised the partnership, saying:
“Your support for the survivors has been critical in helping the victims to begin the difficult road of recovery.”
This collaboration demonstrates how public safety and social services can work together to deliver true justice—accountability for offenders and hope for survivors.
Julia Einbond, CEO of Covenant House New Jersey, emphasized the agency’s commitment to human trafficking survivors: “The importance of providing immediate support for survivors of human trafficking cannot be overstated,” Einbond said. “Covenant House New Jersey is committed to ensuring every victim is connected with the resources they need to navigate the challenging road to recovery ahead.”
The July 25, 2025 action is just one example of the work Covenant House New Jersey is doing as the state-designated agency for human trafficking survivor services. Covenant House New Jersey earned this designation in 2020, after years of research and work to identify the best way to support survivors.
If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, please call the New Jersey Human Trafficking Hotline: 855-NJHT-TIP (855-654-8847) . To learn more about the work of Covenant House New Jersey in helping victims of human trafficking, click here.
