By: Richard L. Smith
Four men from New Jersey and Pennsylvania have been indicted on charges stemming from an alleged human trafficking operation in which authorities say two women were forced to perform commercial sex acts through threats, violence and drug dependency.
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Criminal Justice announced the charges, alleging that the defendants participated in an operation that exploited the women for money and narcotics.
Keith B. Woodson, 40, of Camden; Lee A. Byrd, 62, of Philadelphia; Raymond H. Cooper, 48, of Sicklerville; and Andre A. Lindsey, 41, of Woodlynne were charged by indictment with first-degree racketeering, conspiracy to commit human trafficking, promoting organized street crime, human trafficking by threat of harm and human trafficking by drug facilitation.
The indictment also includes conspiracy charges related to promoting prostitution and financial facilitation of criminal activity, along with additional offenses.
According to court documents and information released by state officials, Woodson is accused of forcing at least two women to engage in commercial sex acts with men in exchange for money and drugs.
Authorities allege Woodson advertised one of the victims, identified by the initials N.G., on illicit websites and also sought potential customers at a bar and convenience store he regularly visited.
Investigators said Woodson allegedly rented hotel rooms, purchased supplies and arranged encounters between N.G. and customers. Authorities allege that after the encounters, Woodson collected all of the money paid to the victim.
N.G. allegedly complied because she feared Woodson would physically harm her or deprive her of food. Authorities further allege that Woodson threatened violence against members of her family if she attempted to leave.
Investigators said Woodson expected the woman to meet with four or five customers each weekday.
The investigation also identified a second alleged victim, G.D., whom authorities said Woodson encountered after she stepped off a bus in Camden.
According to the allegations, Woodson told her he could show her how to earn $1,000 per day.
Authorities said G.D., who was dependent on narcotics at the time, initially agreed. Investigators allege Woodson subsequently demanded that she earn $1,000 each day through commercial sex acts and surrender the money to him.
In return, authorities allege Woodson supplied her with drugs, including Ecstasy, Percocet and Adderall.
The alleged abuse escalated when G.D. failed to comply with Woodson’s demands, according to state investigators. Woodson is accused of choking her until she lost consciousness, threatening to kill her and threatening members of her family.
Authorities also allege Woodson attempted to maintain control over the victim by sending her photographs showing her walking along streets or inside stores, which investigators said was intended to convince her that she was constantly being watched.
“This indictment describes a cycle of violence and abuse that was used to force the victims into prostitution,” Attorney General Davenport said, adding that authorities would continue pursuing individuals accused of exploiting vulnerable victims for financial gain.
DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton said the case demonstrates the commitment of the agency’s Human Trafficking Unit to pursuing justice for trafficking victims.