Ottumwa, Iowa, United States
A Micronesian couple recruited two young men from Micronesia with promises of legal US work, then withheld their passports to coerce their labor at a meat processing plant. Accused: Micronesian couple (Federated States of Micronesia citizens) operating in Ottumwa, Iowa.
Location
United States · Ottumwa, Iowa · 2024 (location generalized to protect survivors)
Response & intervention
Ottumwa Police Department investigation with Civil Rights Division support. Couple sentenced to 48 months in prison and nearly $70,000 restitution. Victims assisted through Southern District of Iowa victim services.