Camden man admits his part in luring a minor into the New Jersey sex trade
A Camden man pleaded guilty Thursday to sex trafficking, confessing his part in luring a minor through social media and forcing her to work as a prostitute.
A Camden man pleaded guilty Thursday to sex trafficking, confessing his part in luring a minor through social media and forcing her to work as a prostitute.
Aaron J. Gray, 29, appeared before U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan in Trenton, pleading guilty to one count of sex trafficking of a minor.
Gray initially was charged in January in a criminal complaint that also charged Aja M. Easley, 22, of Camden, and Kenneth A. Mertz, 35, of Collingswood, with sex trafficking of a minor and conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor, according to court records. Gray also was charged in the complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Authorities did not release the age of the victim or where she lived at the time of the incidents.
Easley pleaded guilty in August, admitting she was the one who contacted the victim online. Easley told the girl that if she came to Camden, she would have food, clothing, and a place to live.
In Camden, Easley told the victim she could make money going on "dates," and introduced her to Gray and Mertz, according to federal authorities. The three took provocative pictures of the girl, advertised her online for commercial sex, and drove her to local motels.
At a Cherry Hill motel, Gray instructed the victim to tell those who responded to the ad that she was 21. He also told her how much time each individual could spend with her at the motel, and how much they owed, according to federal authorities. The girl was forced into a similar situation the next day at a motel in Mount Laurel, according to court records.
That evening, the girl managed to call police as the three were taking her to Atlantic City.
Gray faces a mandatory 10 years to life in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 3. Charges are pending against Mertz.
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