Florida couple arrested on federal charges after human trafficking investigation


04/29/10 9:25 AM EDT


MIAMI — A South Florida couple has been arrested after a federal human trafficking investigation.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement says Sophia Manuel and Alfonso Baldonado Jr. were arrested Wednesday in a scheme to force Filipino nationals to work in South Florida country clubs and hotels.

The agency says Manuel, 41, and Baldonado, 46, own Quality Staffing Services Corp. in Boca Raton. They were indicted by a federal grand jury on charges including visa fraud and making false statements to the government.

No attorney was listed for them in court records. A telephone message left Wednesday at their business wasn't immediately returned.

Authorities say the pair threatened victims with deportation and offered little or no pay, and inadequate food or water.

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