A federal indictment unsealed in Madison, Wisconsin, charges Luis Abreu, 50, with seven counts each of forced labor and alien harboring, plus conspiracy to commit forced labor. His wife, Cybell Abreu, 50, faces seven counts of forced labor and the same conspiracy charge, officials stated.
Prosecutors allege that between 2015 and 2018, the Abreus used threats and legal intimidation to force seven undocumented boys and young men into labor. Luis Abreu also allegedly harbored them for personal financial gain, knowing they were in the U.S. illegally.
The couple appeared before a U.S. magistrate judge on April 21.
Forced labor charges carry up to 20 years in prison, while harboring undocumented individuals for profit can bring up to 10 years.