Fugitive Jersey Shore Ex-Officer Sought On Human Trafficking Charges

TRENTON, NJ — State officials are seeking the public's assistance in locating a retired corrections officer from Cape May County who failed to appear at a criminal trial on human trafficking charges.

Kurt Young, 56, was due for trial in Sept. 2023 but never showed up during jury selection, and is now considered a fugitive, according to a press release from the state Attorney General's Office. No information was given on his potential whereabouts.

The charges against Young, and his co-defendants Derek V. Ross, 30, of Atlantic City, and Tiffany N. Davis, 43, of Egg Harbor Township, resulted from an investigation by the Division of Criminal Justice and the New Jersey State Police's Casino Gaming Bureau, with assistance from the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.

During the investigation, state police rescued a 14-year-old who was being trafficked and sexually abused by Ross and Davis, authorities said. Young apparently paid the co-defendants to bring the teenager to his house in Dennis Township for sex, according to officials.

All three were indicted on Oct. 20, 2020 by a state grand jury for human trafficking charges. Ross and Davis ultimately pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit human trafficking (first degree) and facilitating human trafficking (second degree). Ross was sentenced to 20 years in state prison and fined $15,000, while Davis was sentenced to 15 years in state prison.

Young's charges include conspiracy to commit human trafficking (first degree), engaging in prostitution with a child (second degree), sexual assault (second degree) and endangering the welfare of a child (third degree). A bench warrant has been issued for his arrest.

“The investigation and prosecution of human trafficking is a priority mission, as this crime leaves a devastating impact on its victims, which are often the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Attorney General Matt Platkin. “We urge people to call our confidential hotline 855-END-NJ-HT if they are being victimized, or see someone who they suspect is being exploited in this manner.”

“The Division of Criminal Justice has an unwavering commitment to the investigation of human trafficking,” said J. Stephen Ferketic, Director of the Division of Criminal Justice. “We will relentlessly pursue those who commit these heinous crimes.”

If anyone has information on the whereabouts of Young, they are asked to contact 1-877-WANTED-2. The U.S. Marshals are offering a cash reward for any information leading directly to his arrest.