TRENTON, N.J. – A Newark man convicted of operating a cross-state sex trafficking operation that involved a minor has been sentenced to 210 months (17.5 years) in federal prison, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey announced.
Amin Sharif, 50, was found guilty in July 2024 on five felony counts tied to sex trafficking and prostitution. The verdict followed an eight-day trial before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp, who also ordered 20 years of supervised release upon Sharif’s release from prison.
Pattern of Exploitation
Court documents and trial evidence revealed that Sharif used multiple aliases and social media accounts to lure vulnerable women—including a minor victim—from New York, Pennsylvania, Idaho, and Utah between 2020 and 2021. Promising housing, bill payments, and lucrative earnings, he exploited these women for commercial sex acts.
Sharif advertised the underage victim online, offering her for dozens of sex services. Prosecutors detailed how he operated a calculated scheme, using manipulation and deceit to control victims across state lines.
This is not Sharif’s first offense. He was previously convicted of a similar crime—transporting a minor for prostitution—and served a 10-year federal sentence.
A Warning to Traffickers
“Amin Sharif is a dangerous sex offender who has repeatedly preyed on vulnerable young women and minors,” said U.S. Attorney Alina Habba. “This sentence sends a strong message: sex trafficking will not be tolerated in New Jersey, and offenders will face long prison terms.”
FBI Newark’s Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly added, “Sharif disguised himself online, promising support but delivering exploitation. Thanks to the persistence of FBI agents and local law enforcement, his victims now have a chance to reclaim their lives.”
Interagency Collaboration
The case was investigated by the FBI Newark Field Office, with assistance from the FBI Rochester Office and the Dansville Police Department in New York. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Farhana C. Melo and Chelsea D. Coleman led the prosecution.
The federal charges included:
- Attempted transportation for prostitution
- Sex trafficking of a minor
- Use of an interstate facility to promote unlawful activity
- Transportation for prostitution
- Persuading travel for prostitution
Sharif’s sentence reflects the seriousness with which federal prosecutors and investigators treat human trafficking cases—especially those involving minors.
Sources:
- U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey press release
- U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, Case Files
- FBI Newark Field Office
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