POLICE HUNT PATERSON WOMAN ACCUSED IN TEEN SEX TRAFFICKING RING

Authorities are searching for a 29-year-old Paterson woman accused of taking part in a human trafficking operation involving a 17-year-old girl, prosecutors said.

According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, three women were arrested last week — Tajhane Thomas, 29, of Newark; Leslie Martinez, 34, of West Orange; and Amayah Dent, 28, of Maplewood — while Yaislene Arguedas, also 29, remains at large.

All four women face serious charges including first-degree human trafficking, promoting prostitution of a child, promoting organized street crime, and endangering the welfare of a child, officials said.

Thomas faces additional sexual assault and drug possession charges after detectives reportedly found around 250 decks of heroin during her arrest.

Investigators launched the case in September after the teenage victim sought help from law enforcement.

Anyone with information about Arguedas’ whereabouts is urged to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC (1-877-847-7432).