A Louisiana couple has pleaded guilty to federal civil rights charges for abusing a woman with cognitive disabilities.
Raylaune Knope, 42, and her husband, Terry J. Knope II, 45, pleaded guilty in the Eastern District of Louisiana to conspiracy to obtain forced, unpaid household labor and services from the victim, identified as D.P.
The abuse took place between Aug. 13, 2015, and June 30, 2016, in Amite, La. The defendants admitted to forcing D.P. to live in a locked backyard cage and to perform housework and yard work in exchange for food and water.
Raylaine Knope also pleaded guilty to one count of forced labor and one count of misprision of a felony. Terry J. Knope II pleaded guilty to one count of violating D.P.’s federal Fair Housing Act rights, one count of a hate crime, and one count of misprision of a felony.
The defendants admitted to subjecting D.P. to routine physical abuse, threats, and verbal and psychological abuse designed to ensure her continued compliance with the family’s orders.
The abuse included Raylaine Knope forcing D.P. to eat her deceased mother’s ashes and Terry J. Knope II burning D.P. with a cigarette lighter while another family member held her in place.
The defendants face a maximum sentence of 28 years in prison and will be sentenced on Aug. 22.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Field Office in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Tangipahoa District Attorney’s Office.
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Human Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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