NJ Sex Trafficking Ring With Multiple Brothels Busted

MERCER COUNTY, NJ – Eight people from Mercer County and Camden are facing criminal charges for running a human trafficking operation that forced women into prostitution across Trenton and Camden.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice announced the charges on Tuesday, following an extensive investigation that began in May 2024. The operation allegedly involved multiple brothels where women were held against their will and coerced into performing sex acts, authorities said.

According to investigation, Vilma Deleon Bracamonte, known as "Janet," 55, of Hamilton, and Maria Soledad Xec Chan, 42, of Trenton, served as the network's leaders, responsible for recruiting victims to the houses.

Two men functioned as "inspectors" for the operation - Santiago Miranda-Gomez, 30, and Francisco Macariosut, 50, both from Trenton. They collected money twice daily from each location and maintained control through intimidation tactics directed at both victims and house managers, Platkin said.

Four house managers oversaw daily operations at the brothels — Abel Aguilera-Ronquillo, 27, and Julio C. Delgado-Belmeo, 27, from Trenton, along with Flavio R. Navarrete-Reyes, 45, and Wilmer E. Pinargote-Chimbiligua, 29, both from Camden, authorities said.

All members of the trafficking network are charged with first-degree racketeering, first-degree human trafficking, and other crimes. Bracamonte and Chan face additional charges for their role as leaders.

According to the complaint filed in the case, business cards advertised fake barber shops and plumbing services at various Trenton locations on Ashmore Avenue, Roebling Avenue, Elmer Street, and Genesee Street, plus one Camden location on Leonard Street. None of these addresses housed legitimate businesses, authorities said.

According to documents, Miranda-Gomez and Macariosut, visited all four Trenton locations, as well as the location in Camden. Inside these houses, men would pay $50 for 15 minutes of sex; the woman would keep $25.

Routinely, Miranda-Gomez, Soledad Xec Chan, and Macariosut were seen visiting the five locations. They would bring in paper towels, cases of water, and other items. Law enforcement said they brought supplies and picked up cash from each location.

Search warrants executed on June 25 at all five locations led to the discovery of 15 women, authorities said. Fourteen provided statements confirming they had been forced to engage in commercial sex acts with multiple men daily.

Victim testimonies revealed the network's recruitment methods involved false promises of legitimate employment. Four victims reported being lured to the house by Bracamonte and Soledad Xec Chan. They were told they would clean homes or work in restaurants, only to be informed upon arrival that they must perform sex acts before being allowed to leave. Another victim was allegedly threatened with harm to her family if she refused to comply, according to court documents.

"Human trafficking organizations like the one described in these complaints exploit vulnerable individuals and rob them of their freedom, dignity and basic human rights," Platkin said.

"My office has made it a priority to find these networks, dismantle them, and punish those who would profit from this misery."

Julia Einbond, CEO of Covenant House New Jersey, emphasized the critical importance of providing immediate support for trafficking survivors and ensuring they receive necessary resources for recovery.

“The importance of providing immediate support for survivors of human trafficking cannot be overstated,” Einbond,said. “Covenant House New Jersey is committed to ensuring every victim is connected with the resources they need to navigate the challenging road to recovery ahead.”

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of human trafficking you may contact the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety at: New Jersey Human Trafficking 24 HR Hotline: 855-END-NJ-HT (855-363-6548).

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