Virginia
Virginia based Indian-origin couple charged with forcefully exploiting relative and alien harbouring for financial gains
An Indian-origin couple residing in Virginia, Harmanpreet Singh and Kulbir Kaur, has found themselves in hot water as they face charges of subjecting their own relative to forced labor and physical abuse. The shocking allegations involve “various coercive means” to compel the victim to work under deplorable conditions at their gas station and convenience store in North Chesterfield. The couple allegedly confiscated the victim’s immigration documents and used threats and violence to ensure compliance.
The harrowing incidents reportedly took place between March 2018 and May 2021. During this period, the victim, who happens to be Singh’s cousin, was allegedly forced to work grueling hours for minimal pay. His responsibilities included cashier duties, food preparation, cleaning, and managing store records – a disturbing list of tasks under the control of his own relatives.
Indictment and charges
Facing the consequences of their actions, Harmanpreet Singh and Kulbir Kaur were indicted on seven counts, which include conspiracy to commit forced labor, forced labor, alien harboring for financial gain, and document servitude. Additionally, they are charged with conspiracy to commit bankruptcy fraud and fraudulent transfers in contemplation of bankruptcy.
One of the most troubling aspects of this case is the alleged confiscation of the victim’s immigration documents. By depriving him of these vital papers, the defendants effectively restricted his freedom and made escape seemingly impossible.
Harboring for financial gain and fraud-related offenses
The indictment further accuses the couple of harboring the victim after his visa had expired, aiming to exploit his vulnerable immigration status for financial gain. Additionally, they face charges related to bankruptcy fraud, suggesting a web of deceit that extended beyond their abhorrent treatment of their relative.
Also read | Indian American who pretended to be black slams affirmative action as ‘racism’
Pending judgment
The charge of forced labor carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and mandatory restitution. The fate of the defendants now rests in the hands of a federal district court judge, who will consider various factors before deciding their ultimate sentence.
Virginia
Parents at Virginia Christian school petition to remove church pastor over use of school’s tuition
Parents at Virginia Christian school feuding with church pastor
Parents with children at Christ Chapel Academy tell FOX 5 they have eight days to decide if they’re going to keep their children at the school amid protests over allegations that the school is raising tuition to help pull its partner church out of trouble.
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – Parents with children at Christ Chapel Academy tell FOX 5 they have eight days to decide if they’re going to keep their children at the school. The deadline comes protests over allegations the school is raising tuition to help pull its partner church out of trouble.
There’s now a petition circulating online demanding the immediate resignation of Lead Pastor Bob Griffith at Christ Chapel Church. So far it has more than 200 signatures.
What we know:
Christ Chapel Academy is a private K-12 school with approximately 450 students.
Right now, tuition costs $12,000 a year and families reportedly have until July 22 to cancel their child’s enrollment without penalty.
What they’re saying:
Mom Jennifer Huber tells FOX 5 the church has lost a significant percent of its membership.
“The church has lost 30 percent of its membership under Pastor Bob, who’s been there the last four years,” Huber said. “It’s contracting. It’s having financial trouble. It’s never run in the black, it’s been in the red since he took over.
Huber and parent Verndell Robinson say in response the pastor is allegedly using money from the church’s school tuition to fund church activities.
“This one person is standing in our way of continuing our school the way it has been in this community,” mom Verndell Robinson said.
The other side:
FOX 5 reached out via phone and email to the church’s pastor and were awaiting a response.
FOX 5 reached out to Assemblies of God churches, which oversees the pastor and Christ Chapel Church. We have not yet heard back from them.
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COLONIAL BEACH, Va. — One person is hospitalized after a shooting at a dragstrip in Colonial Beach on Saturday night.
Deputies received a report of a shooting at Custom T’s Motorsports Park at 8 p.m., according to Capt. Chris Smith with the Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office.
“When deputies arrived, they found one male victim suffering from a gunshot wound,” officials said.
The victim was taken to Mary Washington Hospital. There has been no word yet on his condition.
Smith said the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Custom T’s Motorsports Park, formerly known as Colonial Beach Dragway, first opened as Longfield Drag Strip in 1963.
Colonial Beach, located on the Northern Neck along the Potomac River, is roughly 70 miles and a 1-hour 15-minute drive from Richmond along Interstate 95 north and Route 301.
This is a developing story. Email the CBS 6 Newsroom if you have additional information to share.
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