Two More Sentenced in Horrific Philadelphia Human Trafficking Case
By Tony Hanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A Philadelphia judge today imposed sentence in a human trafficking, theft, and abuse case, saying he simply can not imagine how the defendants, or any human beings, could inflict such cruel abuse on others.
Rhoades and her husband, Michael, admitted luring two women from out of town to their North Philadelphia home for a sexual relationship, then held them captive through threats and violence for up to two years while stealing their money and ID, plus payroll, college aid, and Social Security checks (see previous story).
Tamara Rhoades and Steven Mills also took part in a final orgy of violence against one victim, beating her with a tire iron, and burning her with fire, alcohol, and bleach.
"They all laughed and said, 'Do whatever you want to her' to each other, and they did," notes prosecutor Joseph McGlynn. "They would beat her and punch her and light her on fire and anything imaginable, and it went on and on and on."
The victims survived but told the court earlier that they still suffer physically, emotionally, and psychologically -- and may for the rest of their lives.
Tamara Rhoades has been sentenced to up to 40 years in prison. Steven Mills faces up to 32 years in prison. Michael Rhoades was sentenced earlier to up to 30 years in prison (see related story).
