Kansas cult members convicted for forced labor and abuse

Six high-ranking members of a cult known as 'The United Nation of Islam and the Value Creators' were convicted of conspiracy to commit forced labor after a 26-day jury trial. The group, founded by Royall Jenkins, operated an unlicensed school in Kansas City, where children were sent to work in various businesses across the U.S. without pay. Victims reported severe abuse, including physical punishment and living conditions that were overcrowded and unsanitary. The children, some as young as 11, were subjected to long hours of labor, often working in diners and other establishments owned by the cult. They faced strict rules regarding their behavior, clothing, and diet, and were punished harshly for disobedience. One victim recounted being held upside down over train tracks for not confessing to stealing food, while another resorted to drinking toilet water due to extreme thirst. The cult's operations spanned multiple states, including New Jersey, New York, and Georgia, with members being trafficked for labor. The indictment revealed that the cult funded itself primarily through the unpaid work of these children. Some members, including Jenkins' widows, played significant roles in the organization, with one admitting to facilitating the movement of victims for labor. Sentencing for the convicted members is scheduled for February, with potential penalties including up to five years in prison and substantial fines. This case highlights the severe exploitation and abuse that occurred within the cult, raising awareness about the need for vigilance against such organizations.