Couple Confess to Enslavement, Abuse

MIAMI — A Miami area couple faced up to five years in prison after confessing in court that they had beaten, burned and otherwise abused their domestic servant to keep her enslaved to them, U.S. officials said Thursday.

Kishin Kumar Mahtani and his wife, Shashi Gobindram, admitted in court Wednesday that they had compelled Francesca Ekka, 23, to work excessive hours in their Miami area home with little or no payment, said the U.S. attorney’s office.

Police learned of the case Feb. 8, when Ekka dialed an emergency telephone number for help. Sentencing is set for March 21, 1997. The couple face up to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000 and restitution.