The Westville resident was indicted on human trafficking and chlld endangerment charges.
TRENTON -- Authorities have indicted a Westville woman on charges that she lured a juvenile into a life of prostitution.
Barbara B. Cantz, 22, of Westville, was indicted on charges including human trafficking, promoting prostitution and endangering the welfare of a child.Barbara B. Cantz, 22, faces charges including human trafficking, promoting prostitution and endangering the welfare of a child, according to New Jersey Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino.
She met the victim, a 16-year-old runaway, in early 2016 and convinced the teen to move in with her at a Cherry Hill hotel, officials said.
Cantz was allegedly working as a prostitute and urged the teen to meet men with her and engage in prostitution.
Cantz arranged for them to see clients together for sex at locations around South Jersey, making appointments with up to four men in a day, authorities claim.
She told the girl to place ads with photos of herself on Backpage.com and another site to solicit clients and told her to advertise the two of them together. Cantz allegedly asked the girl for photos of herself in underwear that she could share with potential clients.
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The investigation began when Cherry Hill Police learned the victim was allegedly working with Cantz, officials said. The Attorney General's Human Trafficking Unit was assisted by the Camden County Prosecutor's Office.
"Cantz allegedly lured a young runaway into a life of prostitution for the despicable purpose of increasing her own profits," Porrino said in a statement. "Our human trafficking laws are intended to protect vulnerable victims and provide stern punishment for those like Cantz who are charged with exploiting them."
Cantz was indicted on first-degree charges of conspiracy, human trafficking, promoting prostitution and promoting organized street crime, as well as second-degree charges of facilitating human trafficking and endangering the welfare of a child.
The first-degree human trafficking charge carries a sentence of 20 years to life and a fine of up to $200,000. The other first-degree charges carry sentences of 10 to 20 years, while the second-degree crimes carry terms of 5 to 10 years.
Cantz is free on $150,000 bail.
Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattGraySJT. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.