Oct. 2, 2019
For Immediate Release
Contact: Paul Jarvey 508-368-7241
WORCESTER — A 38-year-old Worcester man was sentenced to 10-15 years in state prison today after being found guilty last week of holding a woman captive for three weeks and forcing her into prostitution, according to the Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.
A Superior Court jury on Friday found Marley Whonda guilty of kidnapping, human trafficking and assault and battery. The jury also found him not guilty of rape, indecent assault and battery and strangulation.
Judge Jane E. Mulqueen imposed the prison sentence and ordered the defendant to be placed on probation for five years after being released. While on probation, Mr. 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.
Mr. 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. He beat her 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 investigated the case.