NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—Last Friday, after investigations of an online based prostitution ring, police across the nation arrested eleven individuals on charges of promoting and engaging in prostitution, among other crimes.

Officials said that two teenage girls, ages 15 and 17, were rescued in New Brunswick and will be returned to their families.  It is not immediately clear where exactly the girls were rescued from.

A staff report in the Home News Tribune said the girls “are being provided treatment while arrangements are made to return them to their families.”

New Brunswick police coordinated with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as the New Jersey Division of Child Protection, the State Police, and Prosecutor’s Offices in Middlesex County and Somerset County.

The girls, ages 15 and 17, will be returned to the safety of their families, after proper medical treatment.

New Brunswick Police Director Anthony Caputo said, “Rescuing young victims from the harsh and cruel world of sexual exploitation is a major achievement in preserving the innocence of our youth.”

Out of the eleven arrested, only two were from Middlesex County, and six from New Jersey.

The following people were arrested and charged in conjunction with the investigation:

  • Peter Marel, 42, from Spotswood, charged with promoting prostitution.
  • Nicholas Foit, 28, from Hopatcong, charged with promoting prostitution.
  • Bobby Gregory, 25, Piscataway, charged with promoting prostitution.
  • Casey Walsh, 19, Warren, charged with promoting prostitution and possession of heroin.
  • Isis Cruz, 35, Massillon, OH, charged with engaging in prostitution.
  • Angela Rogel, 25, Massillon, OH, charged with engaging in prostitution.
  • Evan Morgan, 23, Newark, charged with engaging in prostitution.
  • Jennifer Walden, 43, San Bernadino, CA, charged with engaging in prostitution.
  • Cathryn Hughes, 27, Milford, PA, charged with engaging in prostitution.
  • Kia-Lynn Howard, 20, Plainfield, charged with engaging in prostitution and possession of marijuana.
  • Ronald Garris, 28, Plainfield, charged with providing false information to law enforcement.

Two years ago, New Brunswick police arrested 16 men and women for being involved in a prostitution ring. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued search warrants for the following New Brunswick addresses: 298 Handy Street, 191 Comstock Street, and 301 Townsend Street.

Out of the 16 people arrested, eight were New Brunswick men accused of engaging in or promotion prostitution.

Then-Lt. JT Miller said city police were acting on residents’complaints and calls made to the federal authorities, according to a 2011 article on NJ.com.

If you suspect anyone in your area is involved in illegal activities such as those mentioned above, report it to either the New Brunswick Police Department at 732-745-200, or the NJ Division of Child Protection and Permenancy at 1-855-463-6323.

Reporter at New Brunswick Today | mobrien@nb.today

Molly O'Brien started writing for New Brunswick Today as a freelance reporter in February 2013.

Molly writes stories on government, arts, free events, bilingual events, education and more.

Molly graduated from Rutgers University with a B.A. in French Linguistics and Linguistics, where she also studied Writing and Journalism. Molly also graduated Rutgers Law School.

She is open to any suggestions for stories or tips. You may contact her via text at 732-743-8993.

Molly O'Brien started writing for New Brunswick Today as a freelance reporter in February 2013.

Molly writes stories on government, arts, free events, bilingual events, education and more.

Molly graduated from Rutgers University with a B.A. in French Linguistics and Linguistics, where she also studied Writing and Journalism. Molly also graduated Rutgers Law School.

She is open to any suggestions for stories or tips. You may contact her via text at 732-743-8993.