(Video: WHIO TV 7)
The defendants in a horrific abuse case in Amite, La., are, from left, Raylaine Knope, 42, Terry J. Knope II, 45, Jody Lambert, 23, Taylor Knope, 20, and Bridget Lambert, 21. The family is accused of forcing a 22-year-old relative with autism to sleep outside in a cage, along with other physical and emotional abuses.(Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office)
LOUISIANA
Bridget Lambert, 21, plead guilty on Thursday to forcing a disabled woman to work in exchange for food and water, according to officials.
Lambert plead guilty to one count of forced labor conspiracy for conspiring with members of her family to obtain forced labor from D.P., a woman with cognitive disabilities.
At the plea hearing, Lambert admitted that, between Aug. 13, 2015, and June 30, 2016, in Amite, Louisiana, she conspired with other members of her family to obtain D.P.’s uncompensated household labor and services by a number of means, including by force and threat of force.
Read the indictment: U.S. Department of Justice
Lambert admitted that, as part of the conspiracy, she and the other conspirators forced D.P. to live in a locked shed in the backyard and to perform housework and yard work in exchange for food and water.
The defendant admitted that the conspirators subjected D.P. to routine physical abuse, threats, and verbal and psychological abuse designed to ensure her continued compliance with the family’s orders.
The defendant further admitted that, on one occasion, she advanced the conspiracy by striking D.P. in the head with a wooden board, causing D.P. to bleed from her head, and on another occasion advanced the conspiracy by holding D.P.’s arm in place so that a fellow conspirator could punish D.P. by burning her with a cigarette lighter.
“Lambert conspired to brutally coerce a vulnerable victim with disabilities to work long hours in despicable conditions and no monetary compensation,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore. “The Department of Justice continues to combat human trafficking by forced labor and today’s guilty plea reflects our commitment to seeking justice for victims.”
Lambert will be sentenced on Dec. 20 and faces up to five years in prison.