A Camden man coerced two women into commercial sex work, New Jersey AG says
He allegedly used violence and threats to intimidate the women.
A Camden man has been charged with human trafficking and acts of violence against two women whom he allegedly forced into commercial sex work.
Keith B. Woodson, 40, of Camden, is facing multiple counts of first-degree human trafficking, promoting prostitution, and aggravated assault, acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced on Thursday.
According to court filings and statements, prosecutors say Woodson allegedly forced at least two women to perform sex acts for various men in exchange for money and narcotics.
“The charges we’re announcing today describe a disturbing cycle of violence and abuse,” said Theresa L. Hilton, director of the Attorney General’s Division of Criminal Justice.
Woodson allegedly coerced a woman, identified by prosecutors as “N.G.,” into performing sex acts for various men by threatening to kill her family.
Prosecutors say Woodson posted ads featuring the woman on illicit sex websites to attract “clients.” Woodson also looked to a bar and convenience store he frequented for prospective men looking to pay for sex, prosecutors said.
Woodson allegedly rented hotel rooms, bought supplies, and arranged meetings between N.G. and clients. He collected the money paid to the woman after she performed sex, prosecutors said, adding that the woman was expected to see up to five clients every weekday.
Woodson then coerced a second woman into sex work, taking advantage of her dependence on various narcotics, prosecutors said. He met the second woman, identified as “G.D.” by prosecutors, getting off a bus in Camden and allegedly told her he could show her “how to make $1,000 a day.”
She agreed, and in turn, prosecutors said Woodson expected her to start earning $1,000 every day performing sex work for his clients. Prosecutors allege that Woodson used violence against the woman, including choking her to the point of passing out, and the same threats of killing her family he used against the first woman.
G.D. was expected to turn $1,000 over to Woodson every day, prosecutors said. In exchange, Woodson allegedly provided her with Percocet, Adderall, and ecstasy.
Woodson would send the woman photos of her whereabouts to prove that he was watching and that he knew her location at all times, prosecutors said.
Woodson is facing 10 to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $200,000 for his first-degree crimes. His related charges can carry three to five years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines.
“Human trafficking offenses are particularly egregious because they exploit vulnerable victims for financial gain,” Davenport said. “We will continue to identify those responsible, support survivors, and prosecute offenders.”
