California man sentenced for imprisoning migrants on cannabis farm

Georgi Antonov Tonev, 45, of Los Angeles, has been sentenced to 320 days in jail for crimes involving the imprisonment of three migrant workers at a remote cannabis farm in Bridgeville, California.

The Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office announced that Tonev was convicted of multiple offenses, including false imprisonment, felony grand theft of wages, and unlawful possession of cannabis for sale. The victims, who were Spanish-speaking migrants, were lured to Tonev’s Showers Pass Farm with promises of $3,500 per month plus housing and meals.

Authorities stated the men were effectively trapped behind a locked gate and monitored via surveillance cameras. Because the workers spoke no English and lacked transportation or money, they were unable to leave. The District Attorney noted that food was delivered sporadically and safe drinking water was not provided, leading to medical complications for two of the victims.

The case came to light after a victim contacted the Mexican Consulate via social media.