In the buildup to the Super Bowl at MetLife Stadium earlier this month, Gov. Chris Christie and acting state Attorney General John Hoffman repeatedly told the public about the threat of human trafficking surrounding such a big event. Tragically, it turns out those warnings were prophetic.

Acting Attorney General John Hoffman
Acting Attorney General John Hoffman, flanked by Gov. Chris Christie and former AG Jeff Chiesa (David Matthau, Townsquare Media NJ)
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Sixteen teenage girls were rescued from sex slave rings and 45 suspected human traffickers were arrested during pre-Super Bowl events in the New Jersey area.

A bill just introduced by Assemblyman Ron Dancer (R-Cream Ridge) would create the new crime of the commercial exploitation of a child.

"This legislation targets the promoters who, more often than not, are part of a crime ring that forces these young girls into their profit-making prostitution rings," Dancer said. "This is a major, major problem that the public needs to be made aware of -- these are heinous crimes."

Under the measure, anyone who knowingly promotes, sells or advertises anything for the purpose of connecting someone else with a prostitute under the age of 18 would be charged with the new crime.

"Also, the travel agencies that are working in concert with these human trafficking promoters would be charged, and they will be required to be registered as a sex offender under the Megan's Law," Dancer said. "We cannot turn a blind eye or a deaf ear to the actions of these depraved individuals and crime rings."

The assemblyman hopes his legislation is put on the fast track to passage, and he said he can't think of anyone who would be opposed to his bill.

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