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ABC News (USA) Airs Series on Trafficking in the United States

Every year an estimated 800,000 people are bought, sold and smuggled worldwide -- part of the multibillion dollar human trafficking industry. Officials estimate that more than 15,000 people enter the US this way, helping to fuel a modern-day slave trade. Lured either by the hope of a better life or simply kidnapped, they are forced to work for little or no money in deplorable conditions. Beginning May 21, “World News with Charles Gibson” will feature a special series, “Slavery in America: Living in the Shadows,” reported by Justice Department Correspondent Pierre Thomas.

The series will examine how, in the 21st century, slavery still exists in the United States. Thomas sits down with Evelyn Chumbow, who was a slave in a suburban Maryland home for two years before finally escaping. In her first on-camera interview, Evelyn, who thought she was coming to the US to receive an education, describes how she was forced to work 18 hour days and was routinely beaten by her female captor.

Thomas was also granted wide-ranging access to law enforcement officials who discuss the scope of this problem, particularly among undocumented workers desperate to enter the country under any circumstance.

Day 1: Slaves in the U.S.: 'This Happens All Over the Country'

Day 2: 'Modern Day Slavery': Lucrative Trade Thriving

For more information, contact:
ABC News Media Relations:
Natalie Raabe
+1 212 456 2418