Saudi Princess Set To Be Arraigned On Trafficking Charge

SANTA ANA (AP) — A Saudi princess is scheduled to be arraigned Friday in a Southern California courtroom on charges she took her maid's passport and forced her to work long hours for meager pay.

Meshael Alayban is expected to be arraigned in Orange County Superior Court on one count of human trafficking.

Prosecutors say the 42-year-old Alayban took the maid's passport after the royal family traveled to Irvine and paid her a fraction of what she was promised.

Authorities say the maid escaped from Alayban's condo in July, got on a bus and told a passenger her story.

Alayban's attorneys say the maid was treated well and had been dropped off to shop at neighborhood malls.

Alayban is free on $5 million in bail posted by the Saudi consulate.

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