Friday, January 12, 2018

NC: Police: 4 charged for involuntary servitude of children

Via John

This undated photo provided by the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office shows John McCollum. The sheriff's office says McCollum faces charges including involuntary servitude of children. Arrest warrants list 16 children and young adults as victims. The sheriff's office says it believes more were involved. (Cumberland County Sheriff's Office via AP) Photo: AP / Cumberland County Sheriff's Office

Four people have been charged after former members of a North Carolina-based religious group complained that a minister forced children to work in his fish markets for little or no money, authorities said.

John McCollum, 67, and three women who worked for him were arrested in December, The Fayetteville Observer reported . Six others were being sought.

McCollum faces charges including involuntary servitude of children, the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office said. Arrest warrants list 16 children and young adults as victims. The sheriff's office said it believes more were involved.

Investigators say McCollum threatened the children with violence or loss of their food if they refused to work.

McCollum, who is jailed on a $1.1 million bond, told authorities he doesn't think he committed any crimes.

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