Sentence Reduced For Man Who Kept Housekeeper A Virtual Slave
Judge Cites Saudi Linguist's Good Behavior
Slavery Couple Sarah Khonaizan Homaidan Al-Turki
Posted: 02/25/2011
Last Updated:
819 days ago
A Saudi linguist convicted of sexually assaulting a housekeeper and keeping her a virtual slave for four years has won a partial reduction of his prison sentence from a Colorado judge. Homaidan al-Turki was resentenced on Friday to between eight years and life in prison for his convictions on sexual assault and other charges.His original sentence was 28 years to life.District Judge J. Mark Hannen in Centennial cited al-Turki's good behavior in prison as a reason for reducing the sentence. Al-Turki has maintained his innocence and insists he is a victim of anti-Muslim sentiment. State and federal prosecutors insist he is guilty.Authorities said Al-Turki and his wife brought the woman to Colorado to care for their five children, and cook and clean. However, an affidavit said the woman spent four years with the family, sleeping on a mattress on the basement floor and getting less than $2 a day. Al-Turki's lawyer said prosecutors were trying to criminalize cultural differences.Al-Turki's wife, Sarah Khonaizan, pleaded guilty to state and federal charges of theft and harboring an illegal immigrant.
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