Passaic Co. Woman Wanted For Sex Trafficking Teen, Cops Say

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — A Passaic County woman accused of human trafficking is sought by police, according to prosecutors.

Three women were arrested last week in Essex County for sex trafficking a 17-year-old girl, authorities said. Police say that a fourth suspect, 29-year-old Yaislene Arguedas, of Paterson, is still at large.

Read More: 4 Women Sex Trafficked Teen Girl In Essex County: Prosecutors

Tajhane Thomas, 29, of Newark, Leslie Martinez, 34, of West Orange, and Amayah Dent, 28, of Maplewood, were arrested on Thursday.

The three apprehended women, as well as Arguedas, face a long list of charges, including first-degree human trafficking, first-degree conspiracy to commit human trafficking, first-degree promoting organized street crime, first-degree promoting prostitution of a child, first-degree conspiracy to promote prostitution of a child, and endangering the welfare of a child.

Thomas also faces sexual assault and drug charges, after investigators discovered roughly 250 decks of heroin in her possession, police said.

Authorities say that the investigation into the sex trafficking was launched in September after the 17-year-old victim came to law enforcement seeking help.

Anyone with information on the case or Arguedas’ whereabouts is asked to call the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.