CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — A Chambersburg man is charged with involuntary servitude after police said he brought a woman from New York City to Franklin County under the false promise of restaurant employment and forced her to participate in a prostitution operation.
The woman told investigators she expected to work at a restaurant after arriving in Chambersburg. Instead, police said, she was compelled to help run a prostitution business at a North Third Street property.
According to police, the woman said she was not paid for her work, was closely monitored and was threatened with harm to family members if she attempted to leave.
Investigators alleged that Abimael Garcia-Vilchiz owned the North Third Street property, delivered supplies and controlled payments from customers.
Police said a search of the property led to the seizure of cash, ledgers, personal lubricant and other items associated with prostitution. Evidence associated with a drug operation also was conficated.
Garcia-Vilchiz has been charged with involuntary servitude. No bail has been set. A second person, Rafael Jimenez-Martine also was arrested on drug charges at the residence and is being held on $200,000 bail. Both remain in the Franklin County Jail on $200,000 bail.
