Gilroy Couple Accused Of Human Trafficking Loses Liquor Licenses

GILROY, CA — A Gilroy couple had their liquor licenses revoked on Thursday by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control after they were charged last November with human trafficking, following an investigation by the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office accusing them of locking a man in their liquor store and forcing him to work under inhumane conditions.

The couple, Balwinder Singh Mann and Amarjit Mann, both 66, was arrested following a joint investigation by ABC and the district attorney’s office that alleged the Mann’s “harbored at least one victim in the back of the M and M Liquor store where the individual slept on a mattress in unhealthy conditions.”

In addition, the investigation accused the couple of forcing the man to work 15-hour shifts, seven days a week. He also bathed in a mop bucket and was never paid.

A Google search indicates M&M Liquors, located on Westwood Drive in Gilroy, is "permanently closed."

The Mann’s are also charged with wage theft conspiracy, witness intimidation and failing to maintain workers compensation insurance. There are as many as four victims in the case, according to ABC.

The couple was granted house arrest in November. According to KSBW, they could face up to 18 years in prison if convicted.