White restaurant manager enslaved black man for years, federal prosecutors say

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Source: Washington Post

White restaurant manager enslaved black man for years, federal prosecutors say

By Derek Hawkins October 12 at 6:00 AM

A white restaurant manager accused of enslaving and abusing a mentally disabled black man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in South Carolina on a charge of forced labor.

Federal prosecutors say Bobby Paul Edwards used “force, threats of force, physical restraint, and coercion” to compel John Christopher Smith to work as a buffet cook at J&J Cafeteria in Conway, S.C., for more than five years.

Edwards, 52, was arrested this week and pleaded not guilty in open court on Wednesday, shortly after prosecutors announced the indictment, records show.

The full title of the charge is “attempt to establish peonage, slavery, involuntary servitude or human trafficking.” It carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines. If convicted, Edwards will have to pay restitution to Smith.
....

Derek Hawkins is a reporter with The Washington Post's Morning Mix. Follow @d_hawk

Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/10/12/white-restaurant-manager-enslaved-black-man-for-years-federal-prosecutors-say/

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Not at DU? I searched.

[SummerSnow]

1. kick his ass

[underpants]

2. How horrible

Man, people just continue to amaze with how flat out evil they can be.

[procon]

3. That poor man. I can't believe that horrendous stories like this are still occurring.

Did he not have family of friends who were concerned about the signs of abuse? Where were his coworkers when this man was being abused everyday? I have to think they were also being mistreated and feared being targeted by that monstrous business owner, but that implies they were at least just as terrified of the police and didn't trust the civil authorities to protect them.

I read the man was only paid about $3000 a year. I hope he finds a lawyer who will help him recover the wages that were stolen from him, and compensate him for the pain and suffering he endured from being imprisoned as a slave and tortured.

[byronius]

4. I suspect J.C. Smith will be the new owner of the cafeteria.

Still, you're right, abuse of this sort happens only when others see but say nothing.

Very Bad Americans.

Bad Humans.

[7962]

14. Now THAT would be something, wouldn't it? Great idea.

Along with a substantial settlement from the companies insurance or the personal money

[tenderfoot]

5. What did Hillary know and when is she going to make a statement?

[iluvtennis]

16. LOL

[jayschool2013]

6. Dateline

Oct. 11, 1817
CONWAY, S.C.

[FSogol]

7. I predict that Slaver Bobby Paul Edwards does not thrive in prison general population.

Glad they caught that asshole.

[Saviolo]

8. Now if only we could get this slaver in trouble, too:

Link to tweet

[sandensea]

10. Old times there are not forgotten. Look away, Dixie Land.

I lived in Mississippi for a number of years, and I can tell you that most Republicans from that part of the country view Black people in exactly those terms.

Most of them know to avoid airing such views outside their circle of trust - although every now and again some old lush like Sheriff Prattor comes along and spills the beans a little.

[Solly Mack]

12. Damn

Wow. And he says it like it is normal. (and he is, for him)

He needs to go.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

13. IIRC, the support staff (cleaning, cooking, etc.) at the LA state capitol is all done by prisoners.

[keithbvadu2]

17. Doesn't that look like two black deputies behind him?

[Saviolo]

18. And they look none too pleased

[sandensea]

9. 'Attempt to establish peonage, slavery, involuntary servitude or human trafficking'

You could bring in half of corporate America on those charges - and most of the GOP caucus on aiding and abetting.

[muntrv]

11. That manager will be a slave in prison.

[keithbvadu2]

15. Preferably someone's biatch.

[radicalliberal]

19. I have no doubt the restaurant manager has been a big Trump supporter. n/t

[Nac Mac Feegle]

20. Just a small question

Is it just me, or does Bobby Paul bear a strong resemblance to Jeff Sessions?