An Australian couple was accused of allegedly drugging several women and kept them as sex slaves in their basement.
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During a court appearance Friday, prosecutors broke down the horrific conditions that the victims endured after being drugged and branded by Matthew James Markcrow,35, and his girlfriend, Crystal Marie Sawyer,23. The couple kept the victims aged 17 to 24 in the basement of their Queensland home and forced them to live under financial, work, and living restrictions. According to the New York Post, Markcrow tattooed “Property of Matt M” on the victims and uploaded videos on social media as proof that he owned them.
Authorities charged Markcrow with conducting business involving sexual servitude of a girl under 18, unlawful prostitution, and making recordings in breach of privacy. Sawyer faced a similar charge along with an additional charge of contravening an order about electronic information.
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However, her lawyer claims there is no evidence that Sawyer was involved in the prostitution ring and said she was charged “prematurely.” Sawyer was also granted bail by a judge and told to stay out of contact with the victims. She is also required to report to the police twice a week.