A young undocumented emigrant from
But she conceded under cross-examination by defense attorneys for the alleged sex slavery ringleaders that she was aware of the sexual activity in the
The woman, in her early 20s and identified only as “”Nelci,”” conceded she had told investigators that she knew what kind of place the bars were because her mother had worked in a similar one in
“”Nelci”” also conceded she had originally told federal agents when she was questioned she had worked at Sonidos because “”it was easy money.”” She said federal agents told her if she said she was a victim of a sex scheme she would be eligible to stay in
Rivera and two other men who allegedly worked for him,
Under questioning by Assistant U.S. Attorney
Hostesses were supposed to receive a few dollars per hour and be paid half of the
She said, “”I didn’t like it, but 1/8alleged ringleader
She and about 20 other women who worked in the bar were ordered to drink tequila before working, said “”Nelci,”” who appeared stoic at first but then broke down. She testified Rivera told the hostesses to down the drinks because, he told them, they “” ‘needed to drink to lose your shame.’ “”
“”Nelci”” said she continued working for Rivera out of fear he might turn her into police or immigration agents.