Forced LaborArchive 2008–2016

Forced Labor in Holt, California (2000)

A forced labor case from 2000 in Holt, California, United States.

This page describes exploitation and abuse. Need to report something? How to report →

Documented on the original SlaveryMap (2008–2016). We don’t have a verifiable source on file yet. Know one?

What happened

There was an enforcement in July, 2002. The case was settled by Victoria Island Farm, LLP and JB Farm Labor Contractor. Victoria Island Farm, LLP paid $546,969 and JB Labor Contractor paid $100,000. This settlement amount included money for restitution, interest, attorney's fees and costs and penalties. The suit charged JB and Victoria Island with numerous labor law violations. According to the suit, workers were not told the terms of their employment and are intimidated by armed guards on the property. Most of the 500 workers in the camps were unauthorized migrants from Mexico who harvest asparagus from mid-February to late May. One worker reported earning $120 weekly, and having $55 weekly deducted for living in the camp and $10 daily for meals. Victoria Island Farm also agreed to spend another 260,000 to clean up the camps and make conditions more livable.

Response and intervention

Oswaldo Ramirez went to California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA) and received legal help. Cynthia Rice represented him and helped him file a civil case against JB Farm Labor Contractor. Workers that had worked on Victoria Island Farms from 1997-2000 could file claims to recieve their full pay. There were some 1,200 Victoria Island employees who worked in the asparagus fields from 1997 through 2000. However most of the 500 migrant workers that worked there in 2000 were illegal workers. If they were to file claims they would most likely be deported.

Nearby cases

All 892 in the United States →

Sex Trafficking2003

Stockton, California, United States, 2003

United States US

On December 12 2003, Moss was arrested after being pulled over driving his Cadillac with three prostitutes, a loaded pistol, and paperwork linking his sex trade to towns throughout the Western states. On June 21 2006, Moss was found guilty on charges that he allegedly controlled at least six, up to seven, prostitutes ranging in age from 16 to 21. He was found guilty of twelve criminal counts relating to sex trafficking of children and various firearms offenses. On February 9 2007, Will J. Moss, Jr. was sentenced by Senior US District Judge Edward J. Garcia to 40 years in federal prison. Moss has to serve at least 85 percent of the sentence; He won't be eligible for release from prison until he is 65 years old. Upon his release, he will register for life as a sex offender and serve 10 years under supervision. At least two of the victims witnessed against Moss, 17 yr old “Sinamon” and 20 yr old “Tachi”

Needs a sourceArchive 2008–2016

Forced Labor2023

Stockton, California, United States, 2023

United States

A couple hired workers from India through false job ads promising good wages, then forced them into unpaid domestic labor in their home, physically abusing them and threatening consequences if they tried to leave. Accused: Satish Kartan and Sharmistha Barai of Stockton, California.

1 source

Domestic Servitude2008

Tracy, California, United States, 2008

United States US

Michael Luther Schumacher, 34, Kelly Layne Lau, 30, and Caren Ramirez, 43, all were arrested during the first two days of December, 2008 for suspicion of conspiracy, torture, kidnapping, child abuse, and false imprisonment. They held a teenage boy (name not yet disclosed due to the fact that he is a minor) shackled and chained in their garage, and forced him to do domestic labor, for up to 18 months (exact length of time to be determined). Schumacher and Lau are married and have 4 children of their own under the age of 10 (1 year, 3, 7, 9). There was no legal relationship between the married couple and the enslaved boy, Ramirez won custody for the boy in Sacramento Count prior to his imprisonment, but lost custody after she was arrested on charges of felony abuse in 2005. Neighbors of Schumacher and Lau said they say Ramirez at the couple's Tracy home regularly, and some neighbors said they were told that Ramirez was the boy's mother. The boy ran away from a Sacramento group home 15-18 months prior to his emancipation from the Tracy couple. Neighbors saw him doing yard work and other domestic chores. The boy apparently was chained in the garage of the Tracy house when he was not working or otherwise being closely watched.

Needs a sourceArchive 2008–2016