Four Men Charged with Racketeering, Human Trafficking, Promoting Prostitution, and Other Crimes

TRENTON – Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) announced today that four men have been charged with racketeering, human trafficking, promoting prostitution, and other crimes in connection with their roles in allegedly forcing two women to commit commercial sex acts.

Keith B. Woodson, 40, of Camden, New Jersey; Lee A. Byrd, 62, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Raymond H. Cooper, 48, of Sicklerville, New Jersey; and Andre A. Lindsey, 41, of Woodlynne, New Jersey, are charged by indictment with first-degree racketeering; first-degree conspiracy to commit human trafficking; first-degree promoting organized street crime; first-degree human trafficking by threat of harm; first-degree human trafficking by drug facilitation; third-degree conspiracy to promote prostitution; third-degree conspiracy to commit financial facilitation of criminal activity; and other crimes.

“This indictment describes a cycle of violence and abuse that was used to force the victims into prostitution,” said Attorney General Davenport. “People engaged in human trafficking exploit vulnerable victims for financial gain, and we will always work to hold them accountable and provide help and support to the victims.”

“This case reflects the unwavering commitment of the DCJ Human Trafficking Unit to pursue justice for victims of this crime,” said DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court, Woodson allegedly forced at least two victims to perform sex acts for various men in exchange for money and narcotics. Woodson allegedly posted ads featuring pictures of the first victim, N.G., on illicit sexual websites to attract patrons. He also allegedly solicited men from a bar and a convenience store he frequented.

As alleged, Woodson rented hotel rooms, bought supplies, and arranged meetings between N.G. and patrons, and afterward collected all the money the patrons had paid to N.G. N.G. performed these sex acts against her will, in fear that if she did not, Woodson would hurt her physically or withhold food. Woodson allegedly threatened violence against N.G.’s family if she ever tried to leave. Woodson allegedly expected N.G. to see four or five patrons daily, Monday through Friday.

Woodson allegedly met a second victim, G.D., when she was getting off a bus in Camden and told her he could show her how to make $1,000 a day.

G.D., dependent on narcotics, agreed. In turn, Woodson then allegedly expected G.D. to earn $1,000 per day by performing commercial sex acts. G.D. was then expected to turn that money over to Woodson, who supplied G.D. with various drugs, including Ecstasy, Percocet, and Adderall. Woodson allegedly threatened that if G.D. did not perform sex acts, she would never see her family again. When she did not do as Woodson asked, Woodson allegedly choked G.D. until the point of passing out, threatened to kill her, and threatened to kill her family. Woodson allegedly sent G.D. pictures of herself walking down the street or in a store to prove to her that he was watching her and knew where she was going all the time.

Woodson’s associates - Byrd, Cooper, and Lindsey – also allegedly trafficked N.G. They allegedly drove her to various hotels, stood watch outside the hotels, and then collected the money paid to her for performing sex acts. Cooper also allegedly provided Woodson with various drugs that he gave to N.G.

Byrd, Cooper, Lindsey, and Woodson all allegedly carried guns.

This case is being prosecuted by Sarah Rizk and Kathleen Dillon. The case was investigated by Detective Nenad Ninkovic and the DCJ Human Trafficking Unit.

First-degree crimes carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $200,000. Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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