An Australian couple reportedly held several young women between the ages of 17 and 24 as sex slaves – some of whom were branded as the husband’s “ property, ” according to a report.
Matthew James Markcrow, 35, and his girlfriend Crystal Marie Sawyer, 23, appeared in court in Brisbane on Friday after police uncovered evidence supporting “sexual servitude and organized prostitution” during raids in Queensland this week, news.com reported. au.
Police allege that the victims were drugged while subject to controlled living, financial and working conditions.
Photos posted to social media by Markcrow also show tattoos that some women refer to as “Owned by Matt M,” according to the outlet.
Markcrow was charged with unlawful prostitution, privacy-violating recordings, violating an electronic information order, and conducting a business of sexual servitude to a girl under the age of 18.
Sawyer was charged with unlawful prostitution and violating a warrant of electronic information, news.com.au reported.
Markcrow has been held in custody while his girlfriend has been bailed – despite allegations that she controlled the women and concerns that she would run the business during her boyfriend’s absence.
“Police saw that other girls were following Sawyer’s leadership during the search… she showed a degree of control over the other girls,” said Police Sgt. Mark Hughes.
Defense attorney Lily Berkeley argued there was no hard evidence that Sawyer had been involved with the company, saying the charges had been “somewhat prematurely”.
The judge has granted Sawyer bail on the condition that she is not allowed to contact the witnesses and must report to the police twice a week.