Two human trafficking rings have been busted in New Jersey, including one in Bridgeton

BRIDGETON, N.J. (WPVI) — Seven people are facing charges after authorities broke up two separate human trafficking rings in New Jersey.

One was in Cumberland County, where authorities said an alleged brothel was operating out of a building in Bridgeton.

According to authorities, the investigation lasted more than two years.

“The indictment alleges that all four defendants, who were also involved in drug trafficking, were involved in a human trafficking operation in which women were recruited under the false pretense that they would work as dancers,” said New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin .

Instead, police say the women were forced to have sex with hundreds of men in exchange for money and were not allowed to leave the house.

“It is alleged that new victims were being picked up weekly from Queens, New York and Patterson, New Jersey,” Platkin said.

According to authorities, 42-year-old Usiel Luna was the organizer and worked with Jose Perez-Lopez, Rosendo Vazquez-Hernandez and Yerson Puentes-Marquez to lead the operation.

Police also found large amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana, as well as $50,000 in cash – at the brothel and at Luna’s home.

We have contacted the defendants’ lawyers. Either we didn’t receive a response or they decided not to comment.

Officials say the ring organizer faces a maximum sentence of 20 years to life in prison if convicted.

The other ring that was broken up was in North Jersey.

According to authorities, the victims were simply teenagers who were forced to engage in sexual activity under the threat of violence.