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Three Accused Of Roles In Sex Trafficking Of 17-Year-Old Girl

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Three southern New Jersey residents are accused of roles in the sex trafficking of a 17-year-old girl.

Federal prosecutors say 29-year-old Aaron Gray and 22-year-old Aja Easley, both of Camden, and 35-year-old Collingswood resident Kenneth Mertz forced the girl to work as a prostitute at motels in Mount Laurel and Cherry Hill in March 2015.

They were arrested after the teen managed to call police from a home in Gloucester City.

All three suspects are charged with conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor and sex trafficking of a minor. Gray also faces a weapons charge.

Gray and Easley were ordered held without bail following a court hearing Friday. Mertz remained at large on Sunday.

(© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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