2024 News Release

Three Charged for Trafficking Two Juvenile Females

TRENTON – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, the Division of Criminal Justice and the New Jersey State Police have announced charges against Desmond Bullock, 48, Andrew Zeleniak, 31, both of Carteret, N.J. and Heather James, 37, of White House Station, N.J., with human trafficking and related offenses for allegedly human trafficking two juvenile females at a motel in Linden in Union County, New Jersey.

The case was investigated by the Division of Criminal Justice, New Jersey State Police and Linden Police Department.

On Wednesday, March 20, 2024, troopers from the Human Trafficking Unit and Missing Persons Unit responded to a report of a missing 15-year-old female. The minor was recovered from a hotel in Linden along with another 17-year-old female. Defendants Bullock, Zeleniak and James were arrested at the scene and charged with human trafficking, advertising commercial sex of a minor, endangering the welfare of a child, and conspiracy. Zeleniak was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and criminal sexual contact.

The defendants were detained by Judge Chanel Hudson of the Union County Superior Court.

“I commend the diligent collaborative efforts of the New Jersey State Police, Division of Criminal Justice, and their local and county law enforcement partners in this investigation that took alleged human traffickers of children out of our communities,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “Our office remains committed to aggressively prosecuting those involved in human trafficking, and we will do everything within our power to ensure that those found guilty are punished to the fullest extent of the law.”

“This case underscores the Division of Criminal Justice’s commitment to vigorously investigating and prosecuting all allegations of human trafficking across New Jersey,” said Director J. Stephen Ferketic. “The detectives and prosecutors in our human trafficking unit work tirelessly every day to free victims from these horrific and exploitative crimes.”

“Human trafficking is a heinous crime that thrives on the exploitation and suffering of its victims. It leaves behind deep, lasting scars, both physical and emotional, that may never heal,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.“Through tireless investigation and unwavering determination, we will continue to collaborate with our federal, state, county and local law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute anyone involved in these unconscionable acts.”

“The patience, cooperation, and resourcefulness of the Detectives, Officers, and Troopers involved in this investigation is commendable,” said Linden Police Chief David Hart.“Their efforts not only rescued these young women from the unspeakable horrors of the human trafficking world, but these arrests saved countless other young women from the same fate.”

Deputy Attorney General Laura Magnone is prosecuting the case for DCJ, under the supervision of Assistant Attorney General Theresa Hilton.

Charges are merely accusations and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law

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