Treva Edwards, Sex Trafficking, Forced Labor, New Jersey 2025

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A chilling tale of exploitation and abuse has emerged from the streets of Orange, New Jersey, where a self-proclaimed prophet and his wife allegedly preyed on vulnerable congregants, forcing them into labor and sex. Treva Edwards, 61, and his wife Christine Edwards, 64, are facing the music after a grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging them with multiple counts of sex trafficking, forced labor, and conspiracy.

According to the indictment, Treva Edwards, the founder and pastor of “Jesus is Lord by the Holy Ghost” church, used his supposed connection to God to manipulate and control his victims. Between 2010 and 2025, he and his wife recruited vulnerable individuals, often those struggling financially or personally, and convinced them to join the church and live on its premises. Edwards would then dispatch these victims to perform manual labor for various clients, including cleaning, gutting properties, and exterminating rodents, without paying them a dime.

The indictment alleges that Treva Edwards used a combination of fear, emotional abuse, and verbal threats to keep his victims in line. He would preach that disobeying him would result in spiritual retribution, physical harm, and financial ruin. The Edwardses also enforced strict rules, controlling their victims’ access to food, sleep, and communication with the outside world. They isolated their victims, monitoring their every move and convincing them that non-members were evil or possessed by the devil.

The most disturbing allegations, however, involve Treva Edwards’ repeated physical and sexual assaults on two of his victims. He allegedly impregnated one victim and instructed her to get an abortion, while telling the other that having sex with him was God’s will. The indictment paints a picture of a twisted and sadistic individual who used his position of power to exploit and abuse those in his care.

The superseding indictment charges Treva Edwards with two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, three counts of forced labor, and conspiracy to commit forced labor. His wife, Christine Edwards, is charged with conspiracy to commit forced labor. The case is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of holding those in positions of authority accountable for their actions.

Source: Department of Justice

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