An Essex County, N.J., couple has been federally charged with operating a depraved, multi-year scheme of forced labor and sex trafficking under the guise of a Christian ministry.
Treva Edwards, 60, and his wife, Christine Edwards, 63, of the city of Orange, were charged in a federal indictment with conspiracy to commit forced labor. Treva Edwards faces additional charges of forced labor and sex trafficking.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the couple ran an organization known as “Jesus is Lord by the Holy Ghost” out of their apartment building. Between 2011 and 2020, the Edwardses allegedly recruited individuals experiencing personal and financial hardship to live and work in their building.
The indictment alleges that Treva Edwards, who presented himself as a prophet, and his wife compelled members to perform manual labor for their financial benefit. The couple allegedly secured contracts for cleaning and other services, but the victims received no pay. Prosecutors say the Edwardses used a combination of psychological manipulation, threats of divine retribution, and control over food and communication to maintain dominance over their victims.
Furthermore, the indictment accuses Treva Edwards of sexually trafficking and repeatedly assaulting one victim.
The case was brought as part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s newly formed Human Trafficking Task Force in New Jersey. The charges carry significant potential prison sentences, with the sex trafficking charge against Treva Edwards carrying a mandatory minimum of 15 years. The couple made their initial court appearance in May 2025.
