Accused statewide brothel enforcer risks death penalty at trial

The alleged enforcer of a statewide brothel ring, including in Lakewood and Asbury Park, that investigators said was stocked with illegal aliens, risks the death penalty when his federal trial begins in January.

Wilmer "Charmin" Chavez Romero, 27, of New Brunswick, was arraigned in Newark today for racketeering, murder in the aid of racketeering, conspiracy and related weapons charges, according to the office of New Jersey U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman..

Chavez Romero was indicted on eight counts in October. He allegedly managed operations for two individuals, not identified by Fishman's office, in Lakewood, Asbury Park, Trenton, New Brunswick, Orange and Bridgeton.

Prosecutors contend that the purpose was to promote prostitution, import and harbor illegal aliens, commit murder, assault and robbery, and expand, protect territory, punish disloyalty and squelch cooperation with law enforcement, through violence, intimidation, threats, assaults and homicides.

Chavez Romero is accused of murders, assaults, robberies, and burglaries, and conspiracy to hide and harbor undocumented immigrants in order to keep cash flowing. Investigators cite two instances, in Trenton, in which it ended in murder.

The charges of murder in the aid of racketeering, use of a firearm during a violent crime, and conspiracy to harbor aliens are all punishable by death, or by life imprisonment.

The racketeering and racketeering conspiracy counts carry possible lifetime prison terms. The charge of assault with a dangerous weapon in the aid of racketeering could meanup to 20 years. All charges also carry fines as high as $250,000.

Fishman credited U.S. Homeland Security agents under Special Agent in Charge Terence S. Opiola, Newark, with organizing the investigation. The government's case is led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sharon Ashe and Meredith Williams. Chavez Romero is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Kevin F. Carlucci of Newark.

Charges are accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless, and until, found guilty in a court of law.