April 30, 2025- Commonwealth v. Jerome Anthony Oliver: The Pennsylvania State Police this week charged Jerome Anthony Oliver, 52 of Bayonne, New Jersey, with Trafficking in Minors and Interference with the Custody of Children.  On April 28, 2025, Trooper Travis Martin initiated a traffic stop of a black Ford Edge displaying temporary Missouri license plates on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in West Pennsboro, Cumberland County, PA.  Trooper Martin determined that one of the passengers in the vehicle, a 17-year-old female, was entered into NCIC as “missing & endangered” out of the State of Missouri. A search of Oliver’s vehicle revealed sexual lubricants, condoms, sexually explicit clothing, multiple hotel key cards, cellular phones, and U.S. currency. 

While being interviewed on scene, the 17-year-old passenger told troopers that she had been forced to have sex against her will, and that Oliver had sexually explicit photos of her on his cell phone.  Recognizing that the 17-year-old might be a victim of human trafficking, she was transported the Pennsylvania State Police’s Carlisle Barracks where she was interviewed by Troopers Kara Gooley and Jacob Fackler.  During that interview she related that she had met Oliver approximately six months prior in Kansas City, Missouri.  She indicated that Oliver had sex with her almost daily during those six months.  He provided her with marijuana and often had sex with her while she was high and at times while she was asleep.  He also provided her with money, clothing, a phone, and a piece of expensive jewelry (a diamond bracelet). 

On April 26, 2025, he advised the minor that he was taking her on a trip.  He advised her the purpose of the trip was for her to be an exotic dancer/stripper.  Later during the trip, he informed her that she was going to have sex with men for money.  He created and posted online a sexually explicit ad that advertised the 17-year-old available for sex. This information was confirmed by another 19-year-old female passenger who was traveling with Oliver and the victim. 

Cumberland County District Attorney Seán M. McCormack complimented the troopers involved in this investigation on their ability to recognize this human trafficking situation.  “This is an excellent example of superb police work.  From Trooper Martin’s initial heads-up recognition of this human trafficking situation along the side of the highway, to Troopers Gooley and Facklers’ ability to get the victim to open up to them, we now have one less victim trapped in a human trafficking situation.” 

McCormack commented, “I sometime hear people complain about the criminalization of sexual activity ‘between consenting adults.’  This case is exhibit one of how human trafficking is conducted and why we will continue to pursue anti-human trafficking enforcement efforts like Operation: Impact Demand.  This vulnerable victim was recruited and groomed through the use of drugs, money and jewelry.  All for the ultimate purpose to sell her to men in hotel rooms.  The ‘consenting adults’ narrative is a fiction created by the same men who participate in the buying and selling of these victims.” 

Operation: Impact Demand is designed to target one of the driving forces of Human Trafficking – the customers of the commercial sex trade. McCormack commented on purpose Operation Impact Demand, “The fuel that feeds human trafficking is the money customers pay for commercial sex.  Operation: Impact Demand is designed to curtail the supply of money going into the pockets of human traffickers.”

A preliminary hearing for Oliver is scheduled for May 8, 2025, before Magisterial District Judge John J. Hanner II.  Oliver is currently being held without bail in the Cumberland County Prison.    

NOTE: The above details are allegations, and Jerome Oliver is presumed innocent, unless and until he is found guilty in a court of law.