According to a press release from Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez, on Oct. 21 members of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office and the Secaucus Police Department conducted a child exploitation and undercover prostitution operation in Secaucus.
During the course of the operation, an undercover officer contacted several escorts who allegedly placed advertisements on an online website and made arrangements to meet. During each meeting, the undercover officer and escorts negotiated a sexual act in exchange for cash. Once the negotiation were complete, the escorts were taken into custody and charged with engaging in prostitution. Officers also recovered approximately $1,400.
During the operation, a 16-year-old female, who was identified as an alleged escort, allegedly negotiated with an undercover officer to exchange a sexual act for money. She was treated as a victim and not charged. The 16-year-old victim was discovered to be a reported missing child, and that she was previously involved in human trafficking in Union County.
Arrested and charged with promoting prostitution were Ray Marlon Owens, 37, from Baltimore, Md., Leia Alliston, 41, from New York, N.Y., and Kevin William, 26, from Orange. Additionally charged was Vernon Brooks, 25, from Carteret, who was arrested for allegedly promoting prostitution of a minor and endangering the welfare of a minor. Brooks’ bail was set at $100,000 cash or bond.
The following individuals were arrested for allegedly engaging in prostitution: Carolina Barhena, 32, of Bronx, N.Y.; Lisa Bengtson, 33, of Baltimore, Md.; Jaran Elizabeth-Ellen Reid, 21, of Newark; Jennifer Crisp, 37, of Sioux Falls, S.D.; Pa Lee, 43, of Flushing, N.Y.; and Tahinah Borgella, 28, of West Orange.
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