Fil-Am couple faces human trafficking, wage theft charges

A Filipino couple is facing multiple felony charges in San Diego County for allegedly exploiting workers’ immigration status in a human trafficking and wage theft scheme tied to elder care facilities, prosecutors said.

The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office identified the defendants as Rolando and Maria Corpuz, who are accused of operating two residential care homes in Vista and Escondido where workers were allegedly forced to endure grueling conditions while being underpaid.

Prosecutors allege the couple required employees to work around the clock, caring for elderly residents including those who were immobile or nonverbal while paying them less than $7 an hour.

Authorities say the case extends beyond labor violations, pointing to the alleged manipulation of workers’ immigration status as a key element of the scheme.

According to investigators, at least one victim was promised assistance in obtaining legal immigration status in exchange for withheld wages. However, prosecutors said the money was never used for that purpose, leaving the worker vulnerable and financially exploited.

The case began after one worker reported the alleged abuse, leading authorities to identify at least two additional victims.

Rolando and Maria Corpuz have been arraigned and are now facing three counts of human trafficking and three counts of wage theft.

If convicted, the couple could face up to 19 years and four months in prison, along with fines.

The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Prosecutors said the investigation remains ongoing, with authorities urging other potential victims to come forward.