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LI slave couple found guilty, forced to forfeit home

? A Muttontown husband and wife accused of keeping their Indonesian housekeepers as slaves were officially found guilty of the crime Tuesday. Jurors returned a guilty verdict for Varsha and Mahendar

News 12 Staff

Dec 18, 2007, 11:20 PM

Updated 6,258 days ago

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? A Muttontown husband and wife accused of keeping their Indonesian housekeepers as slaves were officially found guilty of the crime Tuesday.
Jurors returned a guilty verdict for Varsha and Mahendar Sabhnani Monday. However, Varsha and her daughter both collapsed after the verdict was read, postponing the polling of the jury. The two were taken to the hospital and later released.
On Tuesday, jurors were polled and each confirmed their guilty vote. Before the polling, Varsha Sabhnani was seen outside the courtroom sobbing and leaning on her husband for support. Mahendar Sabhnani, who has shown little emotion during the proceedings, was also seen crying.
Jurors also decided Tuesday that the Sabhnanis will have to forfeit their home due to the crime. Federal prosecutors pushed for the forfeiture because the crimes took place at the residence.
Despite the forfeiture of their home, the Sabhnanis returned to their residence Tuesday night while attorneys argued over their bail. Prosecutors want the couple?s bond revoked, stating they are a flight risk. The prosecution wants the Sabhnanis put in jail until their March 28 sentencing.
Related information: Muttontown couple found guilty in enslavement case Defense claims to have new evidence in slavery trial Closing arguments heard in enslavement trial Witness: Nothing was wrong with Muttontown maids Alleged victim describes her enslavement to jury Surveillance video shows alleged slave after escape