A Ventnor, N. J., man was indicted last week by a state grand jury on charges that he operated an all-male prostitution ring out of his apartment. Marc Branch, 40, was indicted Oct. 31 on charges of human trafficking, aggravated sexual assault, engaging in prostitution with a minor, promoting prostitution, endangering the welfare of a child and related charges. Prosecutors say Branch allegedly lured males, ranging from their teens to late 20s, to his apartment and provided them, including at least one minor, narcotics, including cocaine, heroin and alcohol. He then prostituted the males to other male clients, who prosecutors say paid up to $200 for each sexual act. Branch allegedly posted naked photos of the males on Craigslist, Facebook and Twitter to set up the encounters. The Division of Criminal Justice Human Trafficking Unit and the FBI Human Trafficking Task Force in Atlantic City led the investigation. Also indicted was Francis H. Forvour, a Maple Shade resident, who was charged with aggravated sexual assault. Forvour, 47, allegedly performed a sex act on a 16-year-old male, who was unconscious at the time, in 2011 or 2012. He has also been charged with sexual assault on a minor and endangering the welfare of a child. New Jersey Acting Attorney General John Hoffman said in a statement that Branch ensnared “troubled young men” in a life of prostitution. “The level of his depravity is illustrated by the incident in which he allegedly rendered an underage boy unconscious using narcotics so Forvour could sexually assault him, all to turn a quick profit,” he said. “This type of callous sexual exploitation of the very vulnerable fits a classic pattern of human trafficking.” Also charged in the case was Shaun P. Hussey, 29, who allegedly conspired with Branch and Forvour to hide evidence and interfere with witnesses. He is charged with third-degree conspiracy. Branch was originally arrested last year in this case and is currently serving a state prison sentence for drug possession. Forvour was arrested in December and is being held at the Burlington County jail on $100,000 bail.
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