Woman accused of holding housekeeper captive, forcing her into marriage
A New Jersey woman held her Sri Lankan housekeeper against her will for nearly a decade, forcing the victim to marry her and work without pay as a domestic servant, federal authorities said Wednesday.
Alia Imad Faleh Al Hunaity, who also goes by Alia Al Qaterneh, of Secaucus, was indicted last week in the case on charges of forced labor, alien harboring and marriage fraud.
Hunaity, 43, pleaded not guilty to the charges in Camden federal court on Wednesday and she was released on $150,000 bond, according to the office of New Jersey’s US Attorney Craig Carpenito.
Prosecutors charge that Hunaity brought the victim to the US on a temporary visa in 2009 to perform domestic services.
Hunaity caused the Sri Lankan national to overstay her visa and the victim remained in the US illegally, living with Hunaity for more than nine years, federal authorities say.
During that period, Hunaity forced the victim to work without pay “by means of threats of serious harm” and “threatened abuse of law and legal process,” according to an indictment.
Hunaity, according to prosecutors, also limited the victim’s interaction with the outside world.
On April 11 of this year, Hunaity made the victim marry her for the purpose of obtaining legal residence for the victim so that she could continue to work for Hunaity without being paid, the court papers say.
Authorities busted Hunaity on Sept. 19.
Hunaity faces up to 30 years behind bars. The forced labor charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Hunaity also faces a fine of $250,000.