Children held in involuntary servitude at fish markets by ‘alternative religious group’
GODWIN, N.C. (WNCN) – Members of an “alternative religious group” living on a property in Godwin in Cumberland County forced children to perform forced labor instead of attend school, while also using a fake homeschooling program to commit college financial aid fraud, according to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities have obtained warrants against 10 suspects as a result of the investigation into the group, which lived “on and around” a property called McCollum Ranch on McCollum Road in Godwin.
The group also operated John C’s Fish Markets and mobile grills: three in Fayetteville and one in Lumberton.
“Several former residents of the McCollum Ranch, during interviews, said that (John C. McCollum) and others were holding children, ages ranging from 9 years old to 17 years old, in involuntary servitude,” deputies wrote. “The children had to work full time in the fish markets with little to no compensation.”
The residents told investigators that the children weren’t attending school.
In August, a 15-year-old ran away from the ranch, deputies said. He told investigators that he, his brothers, and several other juveniles, were forced to work at the fish markets for more than 40 hours per week for little-to-no compensation, according to authorities.
“The children were living in the McCollum Ranch with their mothers and/or guardians who are also agents and/or managers of the criminal enterprise affiliated with McCollum and John C’s Fish Markets,” deputies wrote.
Investigators say they also found that the group was committing fraud using the college financial aid system.
“The investigation revealed that Brenda Joyce Hall, a resident of the McCollum Ranch, was managing a fraudulent home school program called the Halls of Knowledge Home School,” deputies wrote.
Hall gave ranch residents fake high school transcripts, which were then used “in an effort to acquire admittance into online programs through Wake Technical Community College(s) and other schools,” deputies wrote.
Members of the group were able to secure financial aid, “which sums were converted by McCollum and others to benefit the criminal enterprise,” deputies wrote.
Investigators say they have so far arrested four of the 10 people charged – McCollum, Cornelia McDonald, Brenda Hall and Pamela Puga Luna.
Shirley Ann McNatt is wanted on charges of involuntary servitude of a minor, felony child abuse, continuing criminal enterprise, and conspiracy.
Shirnitka McNcatt is wanted for felony child abuse.
Kassia Lynn Rogers is wanted for charges of continuing criminal enterprise, involuntary servitude of a minor, and conspiracy.
Daffene Edge is wanted on a charge of continuing criminal enterprise.
Irish Williams is wanted on charges of continuing criminal enterprise, obtaining property by false pretense, felony conspiracy, and falsifying documents.
Earlene Green Hayat is also wanted in connection with the case.