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Jan 8, 2008 9:36 am US/Eastern

L.I. Slavery Couple Denied New Trial

Millionaire Couple Convicted In Modern Slavery Case

CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) ― A judge has denied a new trial for a millionaire Long Island couple convicted of imprisoning and torturing two Indonesian domestic workers.

The couple had sought the new trial based on the grounds that two jurors improperly discussed the case weeks before the verdict in December.

In denying the new trial, U.S. District Court Judge Arthur Spatt said there was "no evidence that the defendants were denied a fair trial." He said that evidence of jury misconduct was "vague and uncertain."

Mahender and Varsha Sabhnani each face 20 years in prison for imprisoning the two women. Each was convicted of forced labor, conspiracy, involuntary servitude and harboring aliens.

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"Not satisfied that I wasn't dead yet, she ordered me to swallow six spoonfuls of chili powder, mixed with salt and water," she said. After she vomited, she claimed Mrs. Sabhnani made her eat the vomit.