Wisconsin couple indicted for forced labor

A Wisconsin couple was indicted by a Federal Grand Jury for forced labor, according to an indictment that was unsealed on Monday in Madison. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Luis Abreu, was charged with seven counts of forced labor, conspiracy to commit forced labor and seven counts of alien harboring for private financial gain. His wife, Cybell Abreu was charged with seven counts of forced labor and conspiracy to commit forced labor. Between September 2015 and March 2018, the indictment said the couple used threats of serious harm and abuse of the law and legal process to coerce seven minor boys and young men to perform labor. The indictment also states that he harbored the seven boys and young men in the United States illegally. On April 21, the couple made their initial court appearance in the Western District of Wisconsin. The forced labor offense carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release and a fine up to $250,000.