Two Houston Women Indicted in Federal Kidnapping, Forced Labor Case

Prosecutors say the women abducted a child and forced the minor to work under abusive conditions.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A federal grand jury in Houston has indicted two women on charges of kidnapping, forced labor, and abuse of a minor. According to prosecutors, the women allegedly abducted a child and compelled the minor to work while subjecting the victim to abusive conditions.

Why it matters

Forced labor, trafficking, and kidnapping are serious federal crimes that can carry lengthy prison sentences. This case highlights the Department of Justice's efforts to combat human exploitation and child abuse through federal prosecutions.

The details

The indictment, returned on Monday, accuses the two Houston-area women of kidnapping a child and forcing the minor to work. Federal forced labor and trafficking laws prohibit obtaining labor through force, threats, or abuse of legal process. Prosecutors say the charges include kidnapping, forced labor of a minor, and abuse of a minor, although they did not provide a detailed timeline or narrative in the initial public notice.

  • The federal grand jury handed up the indictment on Monday, February 9, 2026.

The players

U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas

The federal prosecutor's office that is handling the case and announced the indictment. The Southern District of Texas has jurisdiction over 43 counties and regularly prosecutes federal crimes involving exploitation and child abuse.

Department of Justice's Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit

The DOJ unit that explains how federal forced labor and trafficking laws operate and are used in criminal cases.

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What they’re saying

“Forced labor under 18 U.S.C. § 1589 is a felony that can carry up to 20 years in prison, and the statute allows for life sentences when an offense results in death or involves kidnapping or aggravated sexual abuse.”

— Department of Justice (DOJ Civil Rights Division)

What’s next

If the case moves forward, filings and scheduling notices will appear on the public docket of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, and more information is likely to surface as documents are unsealed and hearings are set.

The takeaway

This case highlights the federal government's efforts to combat human exploitation and child abuse through serious criminal prosecutions. The potential penalties for forced labor, trafficking, and kidnapping offenses can be severe, underscoring the gravity of the alleged crimes.