WORCESTER – A 38-year-old Worcester man was sentenced to 10 to 15 years in state prison on Wednesday after being found guilty of holding a woman captive for three weeks and forcing her into prostitution.
According to the Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr., on Friday, Sept. 27, Marley Whonda was found guilty of kidnapping, human trafficking and assault and battery.
The jury also found Whonda not guilty of rape, indecent assault and battery and strangulation.
Additionally, Whonda was ordered to be placed on probation for five years after being released and — while on probation — Whonda must remain drug and alcohol free, stay away and have no contact with the victim, undergo a mental health evaluation and any recommended treatment and register with the Sex Offender Registry Board.
According to the DA’s office, Whonda was found guilty of kidnapping a 27-year-old mother of two last year while she was in Worcester, denying her food and forcing her to go on several “dates” a night.
Whonda beat the woman when she tried to leave. Ultimately, she was able to escape.
Assistant District Attorney Lambrini V. Pashou recommended a sentence to 15-20 years.
The Worcester Police Special Victims Unit assisted in the investigation of the case.
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