A grim reality has unfolded in Essex County, New Jersey, as Amin Sharif, a 48-year-old man from Newark, has been arraigned on charges of sex trafficking and prostitution-related offenses. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the indictment, which marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation.
Sharif is charged with five counts, including attempted transportation of a victim with intent to engage in prostitution, sex trafficking of a minor, use of an interstate facility to promote unlawful activity, transporting a victim with intent to engage in prostitution, and persuading a victim to travel to engage in prostitution. These charges carry severe penalties, with the sex trafficking of a minor charge carrying a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison.
The investigation, led by the FBI’s Newark office, has uncovered a disturbing pattern of behavior by Sharif. Since January 2021, law enforcement has been investigating him for transporting and attempting to transport women and minors from various states to New Jersey and elsewhere for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts and other illicit conduct. Sharif allegedly used several social media platforms and profiles to recruit women and minors to engage in sex acts for money, advertising women and at least one underage girl online for commercial sex acts.
The indictment charges Sharif with conduct related to four different victims, highlighting the severity of his crimes. The maximum penalties for the transporting victim with intent to engage in prostitution charges are 30 years in prison, while the persuading a victim to travel to engage in prostitution charge carries a maximum penalty of 60 years in prison. The use of an interstate facility to promote unlawful activity charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
Sharif was previously charged by criminal complaint in January 2022 on charges of sex trafficking and is currently detained. He entered a plea of not guilty during his arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Farhana C. Melo of the Criminal Division in Newark. The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Amin Sharif’s indictment serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of sex trafficking and prostitution-related crimes. As the investigation continues, it is essential to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions and work towards creating a safer and more just society.
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Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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