California

California couple gets federal prison in forced labor case

Published May 2, 2022 2:19 pm

By DON THOMPSON
Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — A Northern California couple has been sentenced to federal prison for conspiring to force a Guatemalan relative and her two daughters to work long hours for little or no pay. Nery Martinez Vasquez was sentenced Monday to 6 1/2 years in prison and Maura Martinez to three years in prison. They pleaded guilty in August. Federal prosecutors say the Shasta County couple promised their relative a “better life” if she came to America in September 2016 with her two daughters, then ages 15 and 8. But they then forced the three to overstay their visas and work at their businesses.

Article Topic Follows: California

Jump to comments ↓

The Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

News Channel 3-12 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.