Portland, OR – Federal authorities have charged a mother and daughter from Tigard, Oregon, with forcing three Haitian migrants, including a minor, into indentured servitude. Marie Gertrude Jean Valmont, 66, and Yolandita Marie Andre, 30, operated Velida’s Care Home, where they coerced the victims to work under harsh conditions for little or no pay.
Trafficking Scheme Exposed
Prosecutors allege Valmont and Andre lured two adults and a child from Haiti to the U.S. in September 2023. They promised jobs and a better future. After the victims arrived in Portland, Valmont and Andre took their immigration documents. The victims were then forced to work long hours at Velida’s Care Home, located just 10 miles from Portland.
The pair prevented the victims from leaving the care home. They also used threats to keep them working. Valmont threatened to deport them back to Haiti, harm them, and falsely accuse them of theft. She also reportedly threw objects at the victims.
The trafficking scheme came to light when the minor victim told a pediatrician about her forced labor situation. Authorities removed the child from the care home and placed her in foster care. After an investigation, the FBI arrested Valmont and Andre on September 26, 2024.
Legal Proceedings
Both Valmont and Andre have pleaded not guilty to the charges. Ernest Warren Jr., Andre’s attorney, challenged the accusations, stating that it was unlikely for Andre to control three grown adults. He added that Andre has always shown compassion and hoped justice would prevail as more facts emerged.
Valmont and Andre co-founded Velida’s Care Home in 2022, offering 24-hour care for its residents. Now, they face federal charges, including conspiracy, forced labor, and benefiting from forced labor. If convicted, they could each face up to 20 years in prison for each count.
Human Trafficking Concerns
Human trafficking remains a critical issue in the U.S. Victims, often seeking better lives, are coerced into labor or sex work. The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that over 27.6 million people worldwide suffer from trafficking. Migrants, children in foster care, and people experiencing homelessness are especially vulnerable.
In this case, Valmont and Andre’s actions highlight how traffickers exploit the vulnerable. Their alleged threats and manipulation show the psychological tactics traffickers use to control their victims.
How to Help
If you suspect human trafficking, you can help. Contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733. You can also report suspected trafficking online. For cases involving minors, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST.
Authorities have released Valmont and Andre while the case is pending. The court will continue reviewing the evidence to ensure justice is served.
Note: An indictment is a formal accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.