NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) — A New Jersey man was convicted Wednesday of tricking women to travel from other states with promises of money for prostitution, prosecutors said.
From May 2016 to October 2019, Joe Torres, 45, of Middlesex County, actively and systematically sought female victims, primarily commercial sex workers, convincing them to travel to New Jersey from out of state, according to prosecutors.
Once the women were in New Jersey, Torres refused to pay them.
When the victims confronted Torres about the money, he would allegedly get violent leading to instances of assault and rape, according to prosecutors.
Torres was found guilty on all four counts of coercion and enticement.
Each count carries the potential for a 20-year prison term, alongside a fine that could reach up to $250,000.
The sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 27, 2024.