Massive New Jersey Takedown: 13 Charged in Multi-County Human Trafficking and Drug Ring
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Trenton NJ, A major law enforcement operation has dismantled a sophisticated criminal enterprise operating across Central and South Jersey. State officials announced the arrest of 13 New Jersey residents facing severe charges, including first-degree human trafficking, racketeering, and drug distribution.
The extensive investigation culminated in the rescue of 15 victims and the seizure of illegal narcotics, including fentanyl, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine, alongside multiple firearms.
The Takedown: Coordinated Law Enforcement Strikes Back
The multi-agency crackdown was announced by New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, the New Jersey State Police, and the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ). The operation targeted a highly organized network stretching across Middlesex, Ocean, Camden, and Burlington counties.
“The physical and emotional abuse of human trafficking leaves scars that stay with victims for the rest of their lives,” said Attorney General Davenport. “It is our mission to relentlessly pursue those who exploit others. Anyone who engages in this kind of criminal activity should know one thing: you will be held accountable.”
Inside the Operation: How the Illicit Network Functioned
According to court documents filed by the New Jersey State Police’s Human Trafficking Unit (HTU), the ring was allegedly spearheaded by two primary individuals: Shalaby Hicks of Pennsauken and Nathaniel Clay of Mount Laurel.
The duo allegedly ran a strict human trafficking “program” that exploited women for commercial sex acts, forcing them to turn over 100% of their earnings. In return, the ring leaders controlled the victims by providing lodging, transportation, food, and Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS).
The criminal ring utilized digital platforms to expand their reach, forcing victims to post commercial sex advertisements on adult classified websites like skipthegames.com and megapersonals.eu.
The Pennsauken Connection
Shalaby Hicks allegedly managed operations out of a hotel in Pennsauken, utilizing a network of male and female managers to handle logistics, enforce rules, and distribute narcotics. During a raid on a hotel room associated with Hicks, detectives recovered:
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7.79 ounces of suspected crack cocaine
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5 ounces of lethal fentanyl
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3.77 ounces of methamphetamine
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Approximately $5,000 in cash
The Maple Shade Connection
Nathaniel Clay allegedly controlled a parallel branch of the enterprise based out of a hotel in Maple Shade. Clay relied on on-site managers to provide armed protection, transportation, and narcotics to clients and victims. Clay was found in possession of a handgun at the time of his arrest.
Suppliers, Ghost Guns, and Warrants
The investigation also targeted the network’s supply chain. Anthony Hicks Simms of Camden and Bernard Dandridge of Sicklerville were identified as the primary illicit cocaine suppliers.
When state police executed a search warrant at Dandridge’s residence, they discovered a localized drug manufacturing facility. Law enforcement seized 14 ounces of cocaine, two handguns, and an untraceable assault ghost gun rifle.
List of Individuals Charged
The 13 defendants face a variety of charges ranging from conspiracy and racketeering to first-degree human trafficking:
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Shalaby Hicks (Pennsauken, NJ)
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Nathaniel Clay (Mount Laurel, NJ)
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Shawn Williams (Lindenwold, NJ)
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Raymond Edness (Mount Holly, NJ)
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Richard Wood (Burlington, NJ)
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Amber Temean (Mount Laurel, NJ)
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Eleana Kuzel (Ventnor, NJ)
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Deena Turner (Delanco, NJ)
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Kelley Plotts (Stratford, NJ)
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Anthony Hicks Simms (Camden, NJ)
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Bernard Dandridge (Sicklerville, NJ)
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Nicholas Bray (Haddon Heights, NJ)
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Michael Amoroso (Riverside, NJ)
Severe Legal Penalties Await
The state is pursuing maximum penalties for those involved. In New Jersey, a conviction for first-degree human trafficking as an organizer, financier, or manager carries a mandatory sentence of 20 years to life in state prison with no chance of parole for the first 20 years, alongside fines reaching up to $200,000.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Creeps
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