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5 Indicted In Deaths Tied To New Jersey Human Trafficking Ring

BRIDGETON, N.J. (AP) — Five New Jersey men have been indicted in connection with two slayings linked to a statewide human trafficking ring, including that of one man who authorities say was operating a rival brothel.

The charges stem from the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Jose Ortiz, of Bridgeton, and the stabbing death of Eduardo Bernal, who was found stabbed to death in a Bridgeton apartment. Both slayings occurred in August 2014.

Authorities have said Ortiz apparently worked for the ring, while Bernal was killed because he allegedly operated a rival brothel in Bridgeton.

Each of the five men faces charges handed up by a Cumberland County grand jury including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, promoting organized street crime, conspiracy to commit robbery and various weapons offenses.

(Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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