A man from Passaic County, New Jersey, has been charged with child sex trafficking and offenses related to child pornography. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Alina Habba.
Keshawn Harley, 38, residing in Paterson, New Jersey, faces charges including one count of sex trafficking of a minor, one count of production of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography. Harley appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court on May 6, 2025, where he was detained.
Court documents reveal that since around May 2022, minor victims attended "after-hours" parties hosted by Harley at residences in Paterson. At these gatherings, the minors engaged in commercial sex acts. Evidence found on Harley's cell phone included a picture related to missing minors and communications about arranging commercial sex work for one victim. Additionally, videos were discovered showing the minor engaging in sexual acts with Harley.
The charge for sex trafficking of a minor entails a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and could lead to life imprisonment along with a fine up to $250,000. The production of child pornography charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and could result in up to 30 years imprisonment plus a $250,000 fine. Possession of child pornography is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and also carries a potential $250,000 fine.
Special agents from the FBI Newark’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force led the investigation under Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly's direction. The IRS – Criminal Investigation division contributed under Special Agent in Charge Jenifer Piovesan's leadership alongside assistance from the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.
This investigation forms part of the Human Trafficking Task Force initiated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey in 2025. This task force combines efforts from various federal and state agencies aimed at combating human trafficking and prosecuting offenders who threaten community safety.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Kober represents the government in this case.
"The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations," stated officials involved; "the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty."
Defense counsel for Harley is Adalgiza Nunez, Esq.
