Man kept woman as sex slave for five years, say police
Salvador Escobar arrested in North Carolina after tip-off to human trafficking hotline
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A man has been charged with human trafficking after he allegedly kept a sex slave for five years.
Salvador Espinoza Escobar, 48, is accused of “withholding basic needs in exchange for forced sexual acts” with the woman since January 2015.
He was arrested in North Carolina on Wednesday following a tip-off to the national human trafficking hotline.
The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office said he was “taken into custody without incident”.
Mr Escobar, who lives in the city Asheboro, was later charged with one felony count of human trafficking.
He appeared in court by video link on Friday before being released on a $100,000 bond.
Randolph County Sheriff’s Office said it was their first arrest for this type of offence.
Investigators confirmed that the alleged victim is a woman, according to local TV station WCII 12, but said they wanted to protect her privacy.
“No information will be released regarding the victim’s identity or condition for protection and privacy,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
“This case remains under investigation and additional charges may be forthcoming.”
The sheriff’s office said it was working with World Relief Triad, a local non-profit organisation, and the Department of Social Security to support the alleged victim.
Mr Escobar is next due to appear in court on 12 February.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.