VANCOUVER — A British Columbia man convicted of human trafficking for forcing the family nanny to work long hours for little or no pay, has been sentenced to 18 months in jail.
Franco Orr was convicted in June on charges he brought 40-year-old Leticia Sarmiento into Canada from Hong Kong on false pretences, paying her $500 a month to take care of his three children.
In handing down sentence, B.C. Supreme Court Judge Richard Goepel said the Crown didn’t prove that Sarmiento was subjected to humiliating or degrading treatment, but did prove that the man profited by paying low wages.
In handing down sentence, B.C. Supreme Court Judge Richard Goepel said the Crown didn’t prove that Sarmiento was subjected to humiliating or degrading treatment, but did prove that the man profited by paying low wages.
Orr’s wife, Oi Long Nicole Huen, was acquitted on all charges.
Orr’s lawyer, Nicholas Preovolos, says they will appeal the conviction and they hope to have a bail hearing by the end of the week seeking Orr’s releasing.
Sarmiento worked for 22 months before calling 911 to ask for help.
