In a shocking display of disregard for human rights, a Chicago-area woman and her two daughters were found guilty of enslaving two immigrant children for their profit. The trio coerced the minors, who hailed from the West African nation of Benin, to provide unpaid labor in a hair salon and their private residences.
The federal jury delivered their verdict after a trial lasting two weeks, convicting 75-year-old Nawomi Awoga and her daughters, 38-year-old Marina Oke and 35-year-old Assiba Lea Fandohan, of conspiracy, concealment of an undocumented immigrant, and forced labor through threats of harm. U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey presided over the trial but has yet to set dates for the sentencing, according to a statement from the Justice Department.
The deplorable scheme came to light through testimony that detailed how Awoga coached the victims, then ages 14 and 12, to deceive U.S. immigration officials, enabling them to acquire tourist visas under pretenses. Once the children were illegally within U.S. borders, they were hidden away in suburban Country Club Hills and Hazel Crest while subjected to work against their will.
Violence and intimidation were tools in the defendants' arsenal, used to compel the juvenile victims to toil endlessly both in the family homes and at a local hair salon. The collective efforts of the U.S. District Attorney's Office, Homeland Security Investigations, Department of Labor OIG, Diplomatic Security Service, and local law enforcement were critical in bringing the culprits to justice. Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual, alongside other officials, led the charge, reinforcing the commitment to combating human trafficking.
Individuals aware of human trafficking or suspect someone is a victim should urgently contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733. Information about the Justice Department's anti-trafficking initiatives is available online.
