Executive Summary
- Martha Zeferino Jose and family indicted on federal charges including forced labor and visa fraud.
- Allegations involve trafficking Mexican workers to farms in NC, VA, and FL.
- Case follows a December 2025 civil settlement involving former client Tankard Nurseries.
- Defendants face up to 20 years in prison per forced labor count if convicted.
A federal grand jury has indicted the owner of a North Carolina-based farm labor contracting company, along with her family members, on charges of human trafficking and forced labor, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. The indictment alleges a multi-state operation involving the exploitation of Mexican agricultural workers.
Martha Zeferino Jose, owner of Las Princesas Corporation, was charged alongside her husband and adult son. The federal indictment lists multiple counts, including forced labor, conspiracy, alien harboring for financial gain, and visa fraud. Prosecutors allege that the defendants trafficked workers to farms across North Carolina, Virginia, and Florida, utilizing the H-2A visa program to facilitate the scheme.
The investigation revealed that Las Princesas had previously contracted with Tankard Nurseries in Exmore, Virginia. While Tankard Nurseries was not named in the criminal indictment, the company was involved in a federal civil lawsuit settled in December 2025 regarding wage and labor claims. Tankard officials denied any knowledge of the alleged criminal violations and have since stated that the nursery has ceased using outside labor contractors in favor of direct hiring.
If convicted, the defendants face severe penalties, including up to 20 years in federal prison for each count of forced labor. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Judicial Implications
This indictment signals a continued crackdown by federal authorities on the misuse of the H-2A visa program within the agricultural sector. By prosecuting the contractors directly, the Department of Justice is addressing the structural vulnerabilities that allow for labor exploitation in supply chains. The case highlights the legal risks associated with third-party labor management and may prompt stricter vetting protocols for agricultural employers relying on contracted workforces.
