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Documented on the original SlaveryMap (2008–2016). We don’t have a verifiable source on file yet. Know one?
What happened
In November 1996, Theresa Mubang used a fake passport to bring Evelyn Chumbow (then 11 years old) from Cameroon to the U.S. Mubang told the victim’s family the girl would have a better life and educational opportunities in the U.S. Mubang did not allow the victim to communicate with her family, and forced her to work as a cook and maid in her home. Chumbow was also forced to care for Mubang’s children as well as a neighbor’s child, and slept on the floor. The victim was not allowed to attend school, or to leave the home except for designated tasks. She was mentally, verbally, and physically abused. After investigation, ICE officials found that Mubang also brought another young girl from Cameroon to the U.S. prior to Chumbow. Her name was Cecilia Nkolo. Mubang sent her back to Cameroon after the victim repeatedly called the police and Maryland Child Welfare Services reporting her situation.
Response and intervention
On February 28, 2005, she was sentenced to 17.5 years in prison, and ordered to pay $100,000 in restitution to the victim. In 2004, Mubang was convicted of involuntary servitude and harboring an illegal alien for financial gain. Prior to being sentenced, a federal judge released Mubang, who said she needed to return home to care for her children, on the condition that she wear a home detention device. Mubang removed the device and fled to Cameroon. She was returned to the U.S. by efforts from the government of Cameroon, the U.S. Embassy in the country, the U.S. State Department, and special agents. The victim received social and legal services and remained in the U.S. Break the Chain Campaign