Judge Postpones Trial of 9 Defendants in Sweatshop Case
A federal judge Tuesday postponed the trial of nine Thai nationals accused of running an El Monte sweatshop at the request of attorneys on both sides, who said the case is “extremely complex.”
Prosecutors and defense attorneys said they needed more time because of the possibility that additional charges will be filed, the massive amount of evidence and the need for many documents to be translated from Thai.
U.S. District Judge Audrey Collins agreed, setting a Jan. 30 trial date that gives attorneys an extra 3 1/2 months to prepare.
The nine defendants have been accused of keeping 72 Thai nationals against their will in slave-like conditions, forcing them to work long hours to pay off their passage to the United States.
The federal lawsuit seeks $5 million in back wages for the laborers.
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