Chudy & Sandra Nsobundu, Human Trafficking, Texas 2016

A federal grand jury has returned a five-count indictment against Chudy and Sandra Nsobundu, a Katy couple who allegedly enslaved a Nigerian national for more than two years in their home.

According to the indictment, the 38-year-old victim was subjected to physical and verbal abuse while employed by the Nsobundus and was forced to work long hours without pay. She was regularly referred to as 'the idiot' and was not allowed to eat fresh food or use warm water to bathe or wash her hair.

The victim was rescued on October 10, 2015, after more than two years with the Nsobundus in the U.S., following a tip to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center.

Chudy and Sandra Nsobundu, 56 and 50, respectively, are charged with forced labor, withholding documents, visa fraud, conspiracy to harbor and harboring an illegal alien. They face up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted of the conspiracy or forced labor. For withholding documents, they face another five years, while the visa fraud and harboring illegal aliens carries a possible 10-year-sentence.

The investigation leading to the filing of criminal charges was the result of an investigation conducted by members of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance in Houston, which includes Homeland Security Investigations, Fort Bend Sheriff's Office, and the Department of State - Diplomatic Security Service.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie N. Searle and Ruben R. Perez are prosecuting the case. Chudy and Sandra Nsobundu are expected to make their next appearance in federal court in the near future.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/katy-couple-indicted-enslaving-servant