New Jersey Couple Accused of Exploiting Church Members

A couple from New Jersey is facing serious federal charges related to sex trafficking and forced labor, with allegations suggesting they exploited vulnerable individuals under the guise of their religious beliefs.

Treva Edwards, 60, and Christine Edwards, 63, were taken into custody on May 7. They have been charged with conspiracy to commit forced labor. Additionally, Treva is facing separate charges of sex trafficking, involving coercion, fraud, or force.

Reports indicate that Treva Edwards allegedly subjected one female victim to repeated physical and sexual assaults, even going so far as to instruct her to have an abortion.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Jersey described the couple as founders and pastors of a church called “Jesus is Lord of the Holy Spirit.” This church reportedly operated from a multi-unit apartment building in Orange, New Jersey, where the couple conspired to force vulnerable individuals to work for no pay.

Alina Haba, the interim U.S. Attorney for the district, emphasized the commitment to combat human trafficking, warning that those involved in such crimes will be pursued and prosecuted. “If you are engaged in human trafficking,” she stated, “we will find you.”

Between 2011 and 2020, the couple allegedly targeted individuals grappling with financial issues or difficult family situations, enticing them to join their church to find salvation.

According to prosecution documents, Treva Edwards allegedly claimed he was a prophet able to communicate with God, telling members that neglecting their duties would lead to spiritual and financial harm.

Members were manipulated into performing labor under the belief that this work served God, with some reportedly being made to sign contracts to ensure compliance. Christine allegedly facilitated these contracts through her employment in a property management company.

• Tasks imposed on church members included cleaning both commercial and residential spaces, snow removal, garbage disposal, moving furniture, and dealing with rodent infestations.
• The couple is accused of threatening the members with loss of favor from God if they did not fulfill their assigned roles.

Reports state that the couple closely monitored church members’ movements, even dictating when they could eat or sleep. They purportedly restricted members to the church property and instilled fear about speaking to outsiders, who were labeled as “owned by the devil” or “wicked.”

Allegedly, the couple profited from the work carried out by church members and discouraged those in need of medical help, assuring them God would heal them if they remained aligned with the church.

The indictment mentions Christine stating that completed work was a sign of God’s will, while the U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized the atmosphere of fear created through threats of emotional abuse and the potential for homelessness among the victims.

In response to the case, Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon stated that the Justice Department does not tolerate exploitation disguised as faith. “These charges reflect an unwavering focus on protecting victims,” she stated.

Homeland Security Investigation official Ricky J. Patel highlighted that the couple allegedly turned a source of hope into a means of fear, manipulating religious beliefs for exploitation.

Blaze News reached out to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for further comments but did not receive an immediate response.

Recent developments also include the launch of an anti-trafficking app by the nonprofit Safe House Project, designed to allow users to report suspected trafficking cases safely and anonymously.