Second Teen Prostitute Found Within 1 Week In Somerset County: Prosecutor

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — A Branchburg woman was arrested for engaging in prostitution and setting up meetings to use a 16-year-old girl in sexual acts as well, Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson announced.

On May 11, detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit, the Major Crimes Unit and the Hillsborough Police Department got a tip that Danielle Belford, 20, of Branchburg Township (pictured above) was advertising prostitution services for herself and the victim online.

A meeting was set up with Belford on May 12 with an undercover detective. During the meeting, Belford negotiated a sexual act involving herself and the 16-year-old victim, Robertson said.

Belford was arrested by detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office and the Hillsborough Police Department.

Belford was charged with third-degree endangering the welfare of a child and fourth-degree promoting prostitution by procuring a prostitute for a patron.

Belford was released on her own recognizance. The 16-year-old victim was turned over to the care of the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency.

Detectives are continuing the investigation.

(Image via Somerset County Prosecutor's Office: Danielle Belford, 20, of Branchburg Township)

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