Wisconsin man charged in forced labor case involving woman held against her will for two years

On Thursday, a Wisconsin man was charged with forcing a woman to do work or services against her will for almost two years, or forced labor.

The US Department of Justice has released an indictment against Austin Kekeritz, 29, of River Falls, Wisconsin, on one count of human trafficking.

Austin Kekeritz of River Falls, Wisconsin, was indicted by the U.S. Justice Department Thursday on allegations that he forced a woman to work against her will.
(Pierce County Jail)

Kekeritz was listed as a Pierce County inmate on charges of third-degree human trafficking and sexual assault with a $300,000 bond.

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According to the Justice Department, Kekeritz faces up to 20 years in prison if found guilty of forced labor and up to five years on parole and a fine of up to $250,000.

A federal court judge will determine the final sentence for Kekeritz if he is found guilty of the crime.

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(Kevin Ditch/Getty Images)

The FBI Field Office in Milwaukee and the River Falls Police Department investigated Kekeritz with the assistance of the Pierce County District Attorney’s office.

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Taylor Kraus, Assistant US Attorney, and Attorneys Slava Kuperstein and Julie Pfluger of the Division of Civil Rights’ Trafficking in Persons Prosecution Division will prosecute the case.

The FBI recommends that anyone with information on Kekkeritz contact their local Milwaukee office at 414-276-4684.

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The Justice Department did not provide any further information about the charges.