New Rochelle Man Caught Sex Trafficking Girl in Paramus, Prosecutor Says

By Mike Pignataro

A New York man who police said was driving a 16-year-old girl back and forth to New Jersey to have sex with paying clients faces sex trafficking and other charges, the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office said.

Miguel Hernandez, 34, of New Rochelle, was charged with promoting prostitution, human trafficking, endangering the welfare of a child, possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of narcotics paraphernalia, after a vehicle stop Feb. 5.

The Paramus police officer saw a teenaged passenger, was concerned for the girl's well-being and notified the Paramus detective bureau. The girl told detectives she engaged in sexual activity for money and said Hernandez was her driver, according to the prosecutor's office.

"Subsequently, as detectives from the prosecutor’s office and Paramus Police continued to investigate, the investigation revealed that Hernandez acted as more than just her driver, but that he facilitated the operation," the prosecutor's office said.

The two met through a third party and Hernandez introduced the girl to someone who could help her make money, according to the prosecutor's office.

Hernandez took photos of the girl and posted them in online advertisements for escorts, the prosecutor's office said. Hernandez booked appointments with clients and transported the girl to various locations in northern New Jersey, the prosecutor's office said.

Hernandez also told the girl what sexual acts to perform and how much to charge, according to the prosecutor's office. Hernandez then shared a portion of they money earned each day with the girl, the prosecutor's office said.

Hernardez was sent to the Bergen County Jail in lieu of $200,000 bail.