A 42-year-old New Brunswick man was convicted for his role in the murder of two men, who were allegedly competitors in the brothel business, according to the authorities.
Juan Hernandez – reportedly a leader in a statewide human trafficking and prostitution ring - was convicted of two counts of first-degree conspiracy to commit murder, one count of second-degree conspiracy to commit robbery and one count of first-degree promoting organized street crime.
According to the prosecutor's office, on Aug. 16, 2014, Jose Ortiz, 24, was shot and killed on Bank Street. While just 14 days later, Eduardo Bernal, 32, was fatally stabbed in an apartment – reportedly used as a brothel - near the located at the intersection of Washington and North Pearl Streets.
Ortiz and Bernal were allegedly Hernandez’s competitors, according to the prosecutor's office.
Hernandez could face as little as 75 years in a state prison for the murder and organized crime charges.
He is expected to appear before Judge Robert Malestein on April 28 for sentencing.