Marianas bar owner convicted of sex trafficking

A Chinese owner of a karaoke bar in the Northern Marianas has been convicted of sex trafficking.

The US Department of Justice said today 40-year-old Chang Ru Meng Backman was convicted of a count of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion.

The justice department says she was the "boss lady" of the Holiday Karaoke Club and coerced vulnerable Chinese women into having sex with customers for her financial benefit.

Authorities say she preyed on women who had been enticed to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands from China with promises of legitimate work on a farm, hotel or restaurant.
 

She faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum term of life imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for September 13.