Eighth bail hearing comes and goes in slave case

The eighth time wasn't a charm for a Muttontown couple attempting to make bail before their forced-labor trial. Mahender and Varsha Sabhnani, accused of enslaving two Indonesian housekeepers, have had

News 12 Staff

Jul 20, 2007, 10:09 PM

Updated 6,271 days ago

Share:

The eighth time wasn't a charm for a Muttontown couple attempting to make bail before their forced-labor trial.
Mahender and Varsha Sabhnani, accused of enslaving two Indonesian housekeepers, have had eight bail hearings during their two-and-a-half months in jail. Prosecutors and defense attorneys previously agreed on the $4.5 million bail package, which includes house arrest with armed guards paid for by the Sabhnanis, but the judge's decision Friday will postpone their release until at least next week.
An independent accountant was hired to review the Sabhnanis' financial assets. Prosecutors have argued the couple is a flight risk given their international connections, both personally and professionally. The accountant is looking for hidden money that could be used in an escape attempt.
Both sides will meet on Thursday, July 26, or Friday, July 27, for a status report on the review. If the report is completed, the Sabhnanis could be released.
Related Information:Suspectedslaveholders' kids testify for prosecutionStillno deal on Muttontown couple's bail