Union County Man Arrested For Sex Trafficking: Prosecutor

ELIZABETH, NJ — A Union County man was arrested for forcing two women to exchange sex acts for cash at hotels across the state, acting Union County Prosecutor Ann M. Luvera announced Wednesday.

Milton Valentine, 47, of Elizabeth was charged with 10 counts of first-degree human trafficking, second-degree sexual assault and third-degree promoting prostitution.

A tip sent to a nationwide human trafficking hotline kicked off a three-month Special Victims Unit investigation that found Valentine forced two women, who were 18 when they met, to exchange sex acts for cash at hotels across the state using intimidation and threats of violence, according to Union County Assistant Prosecutor Michael Sheets, who is prosecuting the case.

Valentine was arrested without incident Tuesday night, and he remains in custody pending a first appearance scheduled to be held Wednesday afternoon. A detention hearing then will be scheduled for the coming days.

Valentine could face 10 to 20 years in state prison on the first-degree criminal charges.

Anyone with any information about Valentine’s actions is being urged to contact Special Victims Unit Sgt. Sofia Santos at 908-866- 8007.

(Image via Union County Prosecutor's Office: Milton Valentine, 47, of Elizabeth)

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