A federal grand jury has returned a 5-count indictment against Chudy and Sandra Nsobundu, 56 and 50, who allegedly enslaved their Nigerian nanny for more than 2 years. They are charged with forced labor, withholding documents, visa fraud, conspiracy to harbor and harboring an illegal alien
According to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, the 38-year-old victim was subjected to physical and verbal abuse while employed and regularly referred to as “the idiot.” The victim allegedly worked every day from 5:30 a.m. until 1:00 a.m.
The criminal complaint alleges she was told she could not watch television or even sit down during her work hours. She was also allegedly told to sleep on the floor and could not use warm water to bathe or wash her hair. She was not allowed to eat fresh food and was only permitted the leftovers from the previous prepared meals.
Further, if the victim even wanted some milk for her tea, she would have to actually strain the milk out of the children’s cereal bowls. Sandra Nsobundu also once dragged the victim by her hair and hit her across her face because she did not like the socks the victim put on one of the children.
The victim did not have access to a phone and could not communicate with her family. The Nsobundus had previously agreed to pay the woman N20,000 ( $100 ) but never paid her for any of her work. She was rescued Oct. 10, 2015, following a tip to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center.
The indictment includes a notice of forfeiture of the Nsobundus’ property. If convicted of the conspiracy or forced labor, they face up to 20 years in federal prison. For withholding documents, they face another 5 years, while the visa fraud and harboring illegal aliens carries a possible 10-year-sentence. All of the charges could also result in a $250,000 maximum fine.
