BROOKFIELD, Wis., June 10 (UPI) -- Two people convicted of enslaving their Filipino maid in their home in Brookfield, Wis., will spend an additional two years in prison, a judge says.
Chief U.S. District Judge Rudolph Randa ordered the four-year prison sentences given to Jefferson and Elnora Calimlim in late 2006 to be extended to six-year sentences as a result of a federal appeals court ruling, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Tuesday.
The appeals court found that Randa should not have rejected certain arguments by prosecutors when sentencing the couple.
The couple was convicted on charges including harboring an illegal immigrant for financial gain and forced labor for keeping their maid, Irma Martinez, hidden in their home for 19 years.
Prosecutors alleged the couple convinced Martinez she would face deportation to the Philippines if she did not agree to remain hidden in the home and work for minimal pay.
"Human trafficking is a form of modern day slavery and is simply not acceptable," interim U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs said in a statement Tuesday.
"No person should ever be forced to live in fear, virtual isolation and servitude," he added.
