CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – A shocking case of child labor trafficking has come to light in the Chicago suburbs, with three family members facing federal charges.
Nawomi Awoga, 71, and her two daughters, Marina Oke, 34, also known as Marina Fandohan, and Assiba Lea Fandohan, 31, have been indicted on a labor trafficking conspiracy charge for allegedly forcing two undocumented West African teenagers to work in the Chicago suburbs.
The victims, aged 14 and 12, were brought to the United States on tourist visas after being coached by Awoga to lie to immigration authorities about their family relationships. Once in the country, the defendants harbored the victims in residences in Country Club Hills and Hazel Crest, where they were forced to provide labor and services for the defendants’ financial gain.
The defendants were arrested on Monday and are scheduled to appear in court on August 5 and 6, 2020. The indictment charges the defendants with conspiracy to conceal, harbor, and shield from detection the two children from Benin, as well as forcing labor through threats of serious harm.
The investigation was a collaborative effort involving the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service. Substantial assistance was also provided by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office and the Chicago Police Department.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt and that the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
The case highlights the need for vigilance in identifying and combating human trafficking, particularly in cases involving vulnerable children. As this investigation continues, it is essential that we prioritize the safety and well-being of the victims and work to bring those responsible to justice.
Related Federal Cases
- Santos Teodoro Ac-Salazar, Child Labor Trafficking, Aurora IL, 2023 · Illinois
- Steven Edward Meierding Pleads Guilty to Child Sex Trafficking · Iowa
- Kenyata D. Miles Gets 15 Years for Child Sex Trafficking · Texas
- Minneapolis Man Jailed for Sex Trafficking Child in Fargo · Iowa
- Columbus ‘Pimp’ Lerenzo White Indicted in Sex Trafficking Ring · Texas
Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Category: Human Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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