Oregon Mother and Daughter Arraigned for Forced Labor in Foster Care Home

Tigard, Oregon- Two women from Tigard, Oregon, were arraigned in federal court today on charges of using threats and force to coerce three individuals, including a minor, into working for little or no compensation at an adult foster care home. The accused, Marie Gertrude Jean Valmont, 66, and her daughter, Yolandita Marie Andre, 30, face a seven-count indictment for conspiring to commit forced labor, engaging in forced labor, and benefiting from forced labor.

According to court documents, Valmont and Andre operated Velida’s Care Home in Tigard and began their alleged human trafficking activities in early 2023. They reportedly convinced two adults and a minor from Haiti to travel to the U.S. under the guise of legitimate employment. Upon their arrival in September 2023, the victims were forced to work under oppressive conditions, with little or no pay, and were subjected to physical and psychological abuse.

The indictment further alleges that Valmont and Andre confiscated the victims’ immigration documents, restricting their movements and forbidding them from leaving the care home. Valmont is also accused of threatening the victims with violence, including throwing objects at them, and making threats to report them to authorities with false accusations of theft. She also allegedly threatened to send the victims back to Haiti, warning that they could be killed if they returned.

The situation came to light after the minor disclosed her forced labor circumstances to a pediatrician in the summer of 2023. Following the disclosure, Oregon Department of Justice authorities intervened, removing the minor from the home and placing her in foster care. On Thursday, the FBI arrested Valmont and Andre at their care home without incident.

In their first federal court appearance today, Valmont and Andre pleaded not guilty to the charges and were released pending further proceedings. If convicted, each charge of forced labor and benefiting from forced labor carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison.

The case is being investigated by the FBI, with support from the Tigard Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eliza Carmen-Rodriguez is prosecuting the case.

Authorities encourage anyone with information regarding potential human trafficking situations to contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733. In cases involving children, tips can also be submitted through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s CyberTipline or by calling 1-800-THE-LOST.