Eight arrested for sex-trafficking ring that held girls ‘as slaves’

TRENTON, NJ – Following a year-long investigation, authorities have dismantled a human trafficking ring, arresting eight individuals accused of exploiting women in what officials describe as modern-day slavery. The operation spanned several locations in Trenton and Camden, where women were allegedly coerced into prostitution under false pretenses of legitimate employment.

Two women, Vilma de Leon Brocamonte and Maria Soto, are alleged to be the ringleaders of this trafficking network. According to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, these women lured victims with promises of jobs in cleaning services and restaurants. Instead, the victims, aged 21 to 58, were confined to homes and forced into sex work.

Investigators revealed that the operation involved five residences—four in Trenton and one in Camden. The traffickers reportedly distributed business cards for fictitious plumbing and barbershop services to attract clients. When potential clients called, they were provided with information about the women, including their locations, ages, and nationalities.

Attorney General Matthew Platkin expressed outrage over the treatment of these women, emphasizing the dehumanization involved in the operation. “We are talking about human beings being treated as property,” he stated.

Clients were charged $50 per encounter, with the women receiving half the amount. Six additional individuals have been charged with assisting in the daily operations, allegedly living in the homes, supplying necessary materials, and collecting payments from clients. These accomplices also reportedly restricted the victims’ freedom, threatening harm to their families if they attempted to escape.

In total, 15 women were rescued during the operation. Authorities began their investigation in 2024 after receiving a tip, leading to this significant breakthrough.