Three men from New Jersey have been charged with multiple crimes related to human trafficking, sexual assault of a minor, and the production of child pornography, according to an announcement by Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Criminal Justice.
Mickael Derius, 30, of Newark faces charges including first-degree human trafficking of a minor, aggravated sexual assault of a minor by aiding and abetting, promoting prostitution of a minor, two counts of second-degree sexual assault of a minor, and endangering the welfare of a child. Terry D. Nero, 44, of Elizabeth is charged with aggravated sexual assault of a minor by aiding and abetting, four counts of second-degree sexual assault of a minor, promoting prostitution of a minor in the second degree, and endangering the welfare of a child. Jonathan O. Ramirez, 29, from East Orange faces four counts related to manufacturing and filming the sexual assault of a minor in the first degree as well as other charges.
“Crimes like those we are charging against these defendants, committed against our vulnerable children, are appalling,” said Acting Attorney General Davenport. “We allege the defendants in this case targeted a 13-year-old child for prostitution and sexually assaulted her. These are crimes that affect their victims for the rest of their lives. My office will always prioritize protecting our children.”
“This case points to the dangers our children can face today,” said DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton. “The Division of Criminal Justice will pursue and prosecute offenders who traffic or assault children and record images of those assaults.”
Lieutenant Colonel David Sierotowicz, Acting Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police added: “The charges filed against these three defendants underscore the brutal reality of crimes that target our most vulnerable—our children. Human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of minors are among the most disturbing offenses we investigate, and they demand an aggressive, uncompromising response. Protecting children is not optional; it is our obligation. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue these investigations and hold those responsible fully accountable.”
According to documents filed in court and statements made during proceedings, on August 19, 2025 members from several law enforcement agencies were alerted by Newark Police about a missing 13-year-old who was under state custody. Authorities learned that she was being trafficked.
Investigators found that Derius allegedly picked up the victim in his car while she was walking with her friend in Newark; both girls were then allegedly sexually assaulted by Derius and another unidentified adult male. The victim reported receiving $300 from Derius.
It is alleged that Derius arranged multiple meetings for commercial sex involving himself as well as other men—including co-defendant Nero—over July and August 2025.
Ramirez reportedly told investigators he met the victim via social media before sexually assaulting her starting in February 2025; he also allegedly recorded these assaults.
The prosecution is led by Deputy Attorney General Lisa Queen from DCJ.
If convicted on first-degree charges such as human trafficking or aggravated sexual assault, defendants could face between 10 to 20 years in prison with fines up to $200,000. Second-degree convictions carry five to ten years imprisonment with fines up to $150,000; third-degree offenses could result in three to five years’ incarceration plus fines up to $15,000.
All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Authorities encourage anyone suspecting human trafficking activity or exploitation involving minors online or offline to report tips confidentially through hotlines provided by state agencies.
Defense counsel:
Derius: Bernado W. Henry
Nero: To be determined
Ramirez: Emma Shirey (Public Defender)
