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Three Indicted for Trafficking Farmworkers in Forced Labor Scheme

2/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

A federal grand jury indicted three Mexican nationals for allegedly trafficking farmworkers into forced labor via the H-2A visa program.
Martha Zeferino Jose, her partner, and son operated Las Princesas Corporation in North Carolina, exploiting workers from August 2021 to July 2022.
They lured workers with false job promises, confiscated identity documents, and subjected them to inhumane conditions in Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida.
Each defendant faces multiple charges, including forced labor, which could lead to up to 20 years in prison.
A recent settlement awarded $215,000 to 366 affected workers.

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Story summary

A federal grand jury indicted three Mexican nationals for allegedly trafficking farmworkers into forced labor via the H-2A visa program.
Martha Zeferino Jose, her partner, and son operated Las Princesas Corporation in North Carolina, exploiting workers from August 2021 to July 2022.
They lured workers with false job promises, confiscated identity documents, and subjected them to inhumane conditions in Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida.
Each defendant faces multiple charges, including forced labor, which could lead to up to 20 years in prison.
A recent settlement awarded $215,000 to 366 affected workers.