Woodbury Woman Admits to Brutal Labor Trafficking

WOODBURY, MN – Lili Huang, 36, of Woodbury, Minnesota, admitted today to a harrowing scheme of labor trafficking, pleading guilty to unlawful conduct with respect to documents in furtherance of forced labor. The guilty plea, entered before U.S. District Senior Judge David S. Doty, brings a grim chapter closer to resolution, but exposes the dark underbelly of exploitation that can fester even in seemingly quiet suburban communities.

Acting United States Attorney Gregory G. Brooker emphasized the critical need for vigilance. “It is critical for law enforcement to be able to recognize the indicators of human trafficking because these types of crimes can exist right in our own communities,” he stated. The case was a collaborative effort, dubbed the ACTeam, involving multiple federal and local agencies, ultimately leading to this successful prosecution and, hopefully, some measure of closure for the victim.

The details are brutal. According to court documents, Huang lured the victim, identified as F.L., from Shanghai, China, in February 2016, promising a standard nanny and housekeeping position. The reality was a nightmare. While F.L. had prior experience caring for Huang’s children in China, the conditions in Minnesota were drastically different. Huang subjected F.L. to relentless demands, forcing her to work up to 18 hours a day with little respite, and meted out emotional and physical abuse for even minor infractions.

The abuse escalated. When F.L. bravely requested a ticket home in April 2016, Huang responded by seizing her passport, effectively trapping her. The physical violence intensified – kicking, punching, hair-pulling, and other forms of assault became commonplace. The breaking point came on July 13, 2016, when Huang chased F.L. with a kitchen knife, prompting the terrified woman to flee. Found wandering miles from Huang’s home, visibly shaken and injured, F.L. was rushed to United Hospital, where doctors documented severe bruising, weight loss, and fractures to her sternum and ribs.

Huang now faces additional charges in Washington County, including five felony counts, and will plead guilty to third-degree assault. This case underscores the importance of the District of Minnesota’s participation in the Phase II Anti-Trafficking Coordination Team (ACTeam) Initiative, a nationwide effort to combat human trafficking. The investigation was a joint effort by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Woodbury Police Department, the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General, and the Washington County Attorney’s Office.

Assistant United States Attorneys Laura M. Provinzino and Manda M. Sertich are prosecuting the case. The sentencing for Lili Huang remains pending, but this guilty plea sends a clear message: those who exploit and abuse others will be held accountable. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available.