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Treva now faces charges of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, as well as forced labor. Both he and Christine are charged with conspiracy to commit forced labor. If convicted, they face the possibility of decades in federal prison.
A Trail of Abuse
According to a federal indictment, this alleged abuse didn’t just happen overnight—it was part of a pattern spanning nearly a decade.
From 2011 to 2020, the Edwards allegedly preyed upon individuals grappling with economic hardship or personal crises. These weren’t random victims—they were people searching for hope. The couple reportedly exploited this vulnerability by drawing them into their church, only to turn faith into fear.
“Treva and Christine Edwards turned a source of hope into a tool of fear by allegedly exploiting religious faith to manipulate victims and expose them to sexual violence and forced labor conditions,” said Special Agent Ricky J. Patel of Homeland Security Investigations.
Prosecutors allege that Treva Edwards, calling himself a “prophet,” controlled his victims through fear, religious manipulation, and emotional abuse. The indictment claims the couple forced members to work under labor contracts throughout Orange, New Jersey—and kept all of the money for themselves.
Controlled Lives and Empty Plates
The details laid out by prosecutors are chilling. Victims were allegedly forbidden to speak freely, restricted in when they could eat or sleep, and subjected to relentless emotional torment. One meal a day. Minimal rest. Constant labor. All of it under the watchful eyes of those who told them they’d fall from God’s favor if they disobeyed.
“These charges are an example of my office’s tireless commitment to combatting human trafficking in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Alina Habba for the District of New Jersey. “If you engage in human trafficking, we will find you, and we will prosecute you.”
Alarming Allegations of Sexual Abuse
The most disturbing allegations involve Treva Edwards personally. The indictment accuses him of repeated physical and sexual abuse of a victim, impregnating her, and instructing her to have an abortion to cover it up.
If found guilty of sex trafficking, Treva faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and could receive a life sentence. The forced labor charge alone carries a maximum of 20 years, or life if sexual abuse is proven. The conspiracy charge shared by both defendants also carries a 20-year max sentence.
