Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner announced that Henry Lovest pleaded guilty on Tuesday to promoting engaging in sex for payment and a weapons charge.
Officials say Lovest, 42, pleaded guilty to 3rd degree Promoting Prostitution and 2nd degree Certain Person not to Possess a Firearm. Lovest faces a 7 year sentence in a New Jersey state prison and must serve 5 years pursuant to the No Early Release Act. Lovest forced females to engaging in sex for payment through threats of serious bodily harm and the provision of drugs. He forced the women to turn over all of the proceeds that they made from prostitution activity.
According to authorities, on Feb. 28, 2018, a search warrant was executed at the Homestead Lodge, located at 701 Black Horse Pike, Pleasantville and a vehicle was also searched at that time. Pursuant to that search, a firearm was seized.
These charges are the result of a long term joint investigation between ACPO Special Victims Unit and the FBI.
Assistant Prosecutor Aaron Witherspoon represents the state in the matter. Sentencing is scheduled for Mar. 8th.
Anyone with information involving serious crimes is asked to call the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-909-7800 or go to the Prosecutor’s Office Web site at http://www.acpo.org/tips.html and provide information by filling out the form anonymously on the Submit a Tip page.
People can also call Crime Stoppers at 609-652-1234 or 1-800-658-8477 (TIPS) or visit the Crime Stoppers Website at http://www.crimestoppersatlantic.com/. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those who commit crimes in Atlantic County.