New Jersey man admits to forcing 7 women into prostitution

Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Donnie Bethea
Donnie Bethea
wpvi

MAYS LANDING, N.J. -- An Atlantic City man has admitted to using threats of violence to force seven women into prostitution at the Jersey shore resort town.

The Press of Atlantic City reports 42-year-old Donnie Bethea pleaded guilty Monday to human trafficking, sexual assault and weapons charges.

Prosecutors say Bethea faces up to 20 years in prison under the guidelines of his plea agreement. He must serve at least 85 percent of his sentence and register under Megan's Law.

Bethea was first arrested in August 2013 after Egg Harbor Township police found he was holding a 22-year-old woman against her will and forcing her to have sex for money.

An investigation launched by the FBI's Lost Innocence Task Force determined Bethea was linked to seven victims ranging in ages from 20 to 22.

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Information from: The Press of Atlantic City (N.J.)