The Attorney General’s Office is asking the public for information to assist with the ongoing search for fugitive Kurt Young, 56, a retired corrections officer who failed to appear at a criminal trial on human trafficking charges.
The charges against Young, and his co-defendants Derek V. Ross, 30, of Atlantic City, and Tiffany N. Davis, 43, of Egg Harbor Township, resulted from an investigation by the Division of Criminal Justice and the New Jersey State Police’s Casino Gaming Bureau, with assistance from the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
During the investigation, the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) recovered a 14-year-old victim who was being trafficked and sexually abused by Ross and Davis. The investigation found that Kurt Young allegedly paid for his co-defendants to bring the minor to his house in Dennis Township, in Cape May County, for sex.
On October 20, 2020, a state grand jury brought an indictment against all three defendants for human trafficking-related charges. Ultimately, Ross and Davis both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit human trafficking (1st degree) and facilitating human trafficking (2nd degree). On August 30, 2023, Ross was sentenced to 20 years in state prison, and ordered to pay a $15,000 fine. On November 1, 2023, Davis was sentenced to 15 years in state prison.
In September 2023, Young was due to be tried on his charges, including conspiracy to commit human trafficking (1st degree), engaging in prostitution with a child (2nd degree), sexual assault (2nd degree), and endangering the welfare of a child (3rd degree). Young failed to appear during jury selection, and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest.
“The investigation and prosecution of human trafficking is a priority mission, as this crime leaves a devastating impact on its victims, which are often the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Attorney General Platkin. “We urge people to call our confidential hotline 855-END-NJ-HT if they are being victimized, or see someone who they suspect is being exploited in this manner.”
“The Division of Criminal Justice has an unwavering commitment to the investigation of human trafficking,” said J. Stephen Ferketic, Director of the Division of Criminal Justice. “We will relentlessly pursue those who commit these heinous crimes.”
If anyone has information on the whereabouts of Young, please contact 1-877-WANTED-2. The U.S. Marshals are offering a cash reward for any information leading directly to his arrest.
The investigation was led by the NJSP Casino Gaming Bureau, Special Investigations Unit. The prosecution is being handled by Deputy Attorney General Elizabeth Vogelsong Parvin under the supervision of Deputy Director Theresa L. Hilton.
Charges are merely accusations and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
