Human Trafficking Pair Returned To New Jersey: Prosecutor

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — A New York couple, who had a minor from Somerset County engage in prostitution under their direction in hotels locally, waived extradition in Maryland and were transported back to New Jersey on Wednesday, Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson announced.

Joneigh A. Tempro, 22, of Brentwood, New York and Joshua M. Stewart, 28, of Bay Shore, New York were each charged with first-degree, promoting prostitution (involving a child under the age of 18) and first-degree human trafficking (promoting a child under the age of 18 to engage in sexual activity).

The pair had been staying at a home in Elkton, Maryland , where they were arrested on May 10.

• See Related: Pair Charged With Human Trafficking Of Somerset County Girl: Prosecutor

A Somerset County municipal police department received information that the 16-year-old girl, whom detectives are only disclosing as a resident of Somerset County, was engaging in prostitution activity under Tempro and Stewart's direction in hotels located throughout Somerset County.

Detectives assigned to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, along with detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Unit, found that Tempro and Stewart had knowingly promoted the minor victim to engage in sexual activity with various clients in exchange for cash.

Both are currently lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending detention hearings.

(Images via Somerset County Prosecutor's Office: Joneigh A. Tempro, 22, of Brentwood, New York and Joshua M. Stewart, 28, of Bay Shore, New York)

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