La. Trio Accused of Enslaving Trans Woman

Three Louisiana residents have been arrested after allegedly holding a transgender woman captive for months, treating her as their "slave," The News Star reports.

On Wednesday, 37-year-old David Rodriguez, Jr., along with Christina Marie Harper and Ambre Tubbs Lomas, both 39, were arrested on charges ranging from human trafficking to battery.

The Natchitoches Parish Sherriff's Office became aware of the woman's plight after receiving a report from a local resident who claimed to have come in contact with the victim following her escape from the residence of Rodriguez and Harper.

The woman, an out-of-state resident, moved in with Rodriguez and Harper voluntarily after meeting the two online. Soon after, Rodriguez allegedly coerced the victim into signing over her personal cash and possessions. Investigators report that Rodriguez tattooed the victim, and registered her as a "slave" on a website.

During her stay with the couple, police report the victim was forced to complete household chores and perform sexual acts. Additionally, she was allegedly beaten, shocked with a stun gun, and had initials carved into her skin. Investigators say she was fed once daily, and forced to drink from a limited supply of water and urine. Lomas, who did not live with Rodriguez and Harper, would regularly partake in the administration and enforcement of these degrading acts.

Two teenage children were removed from the home and placed with the Louisiana Office of Child Protective Services. Within the home, police uncovered upwards of 15 firearms.

Rodriguez and Harper are being held on $635,000 bond, and face human trafficking, aggravated battery, and kidnapping and false imprisonment charges.

Lomas currently faces battery and kidnapping charges, and has a bond set at $525,000.