A New Jersey woman was indicted on charges she recruited a 16-year-old runaway to engage in prostitution -- offering herself and teen up as a package deal -- and solicited clients on a website that advertises escort services, said authorities.
The state Attorney General's Office said Barbara Cantz, 22, of Westville was indicted on Thursday on charges including human trafficking, promoting prostitution and endangering the welfare of a child.
Authorities said Cantz met the teen earlier this year and invited her to move in to Cantz's Cherry Hill motel room. They said Cantz was a prostitute and encouraged the teen to engage in prostitution.
"Cantz allegedly told the girl to advertise the two of them together so that they could make more money," said a news release from the AG's office.
"Cantz allegedly lured a young runaway into a life of prostitution for the despicable purpose of increasing her own profits," said Attorney General Christopher Porrino.
Cantz placed ads for the teen on websites and arranged for them to meet clients -- up to four men in a single day, said authorities. She also asked the victim to provide photos of herself in underwear, said the AG's office.
Cantz remained free on $150,000 bail Thursday. She faces 20 years to life and hundreds of thousands dollars in fines if found guilty of first-degree human trafficking, said the AG's office.
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It was not known if she has a lawyer.
