Reading, PA, Man Gets 10 Years for Human Trafficking in Burl. Co.

A man from Reading, PA, will be spending the next decade in state prison after pleading guilty to first-degree human trafficking in Burlington County.

Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina says 49-year-old Michael Tedesco was also charged with failure to register as a sex offender for an unrelated offense.

Under an agreement with the Prosecutor’s Office, Tedesco received a 10-year term on the human trafficking charge and three years for failing to register. The sentences will run concurrently.

Coffina says an investigation revealed that Tedesco would supply women with illicit drugs and use force, if necessary, to make sure they complied. The encounters happened in motels in Westampton and Mount Laurel.

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"Human trafficking is a societal problem, but more importantly, a uniquely personal offense against the victim forced to engage in sexual activity or labor against their will. We take this crime very seriously. It is very difficult to investigate and prosecute, as victims are often terrified or manipulated by their offender against cooperating with law enforcement," Coffina said in a statement.

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