Human-trafficking suit - The woman seeks nearly $1 million plus wages from a couple for whom she did domestic work
An impoverished Ethiopian woman who came to Oregon a decade ago seeking a better life working for a Salem-area doctor's family says that she was bullied and deceived into working 90 hours a week without pay.
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Derbew was also isolated. She spoke no English when she arrived. The Kurians refused to allow her to call family in Ethiopia, and she had no money, the suit says. And the Kurians lived on a remote farm.
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Gebrehiwot counseled her to demand the return of her work papers and back wages and to quit. But according to the suit, Derbew could not believe that her employers had taken such advantage of her. "The fact that they held themselves out to be devout Christians, who were held in high regard within their Church, gave Ms. Derbew hope that Mr. Gebrehiwot was wrong," according to the suit.
(I've had it with Christians)
Soon, the Gilberts sent Derbew to work for friends in Texas, threatening her with jail if she did not cooperate, the suit says.
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But instead of fixing Derbew's immigration status, Kurian brought her back to Vancouver, borrowed $2,000 from her and required her to work without pay, the suit says.
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