Cartersville plant raid leads to labor trafficking charges
Share and Follow

Authorities charge two men with felony labor trafficking after raiding a Cartersville flooring plant.

CARTERSVILLE, Ga. — Two men are facing felony charges following a large-scale labor trafficking raid at a flooring manufacturing plant in Cartersville.

According to arrest warrants obtained by 11Alive, investigators built their case around three former workers—some of whom had been employed at the Wellmade factory for years.

The suspects, identified as Chen Zhu and Jiayi Jia Chen, are accused of knowingly subjecting, transporting and harboring victims for the purpose of labor servitude. Both men are being held at the Bartow County Jail on three counts each of felony trafficking of persons for labor servitude.


Federal and local law enforcement, including the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, raided the facility on Tuesday. Officials allege the suspects used fraud and coercion to recruit immigrant workers, many from China and subjected them to harsh working conditions.

“You don’t treat them well, like in some cases, workers are exposed to very dangerous conditions, or they’re forced to live in very [poor] conditions—they don’t have free will,” said Lindsay Williams of HSI Atlanta.

Authorities say some workers were on visas while others were undocumented, but all are considered victims of labor trafficking.

The case remains under investigation, and officials say it could take years to fully uncover the scope of the operation.

In the meantime, Wellmade Industries issued a statement noting it is currently experiencing a “temporary closure due to an ongoing investigation.”

The company adds that it is fully cooperating and “actively working with legal counsel and the relevant authorities to understand the scope of the investigation and maintain compliance with all applicable laws.”  

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Stefon Diggs charged with strangulation, assault in NFL shocker

Stefon Diggs Faces Serious Charges: NFL Star in Strangulation and Assault Scandal

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs faces serious legal charges, including…
Mother of TV news anchor, 30, reveals way she found out daughter died

Mother of 30-Year-Old TV News Anchor Shares Heartbreaking Discovery of Her Daughter’s Passing

The heart-wrenching tragedy involving a Louisiana sports reporter, Carley McCord, has left…
Major US airport exposed to world's most infectious disease

US Airport Faces Urgent Health Alert Amid Exposure to Highly Contagious Disease

Health officials have raised an alarm that thousands of travelers passing through…
NYC Health+Hospitals to take over ailing Maimonides Hospital, Mayor Adams says

Mayor Adams Announces NYC Health+Hospitals’ Strategic Takeover of Struggling Maimonides Hospital

New York City is set to assume control of Maimonides Hospital, a…
Texas businessman, Gov Abbott appointee shot dead in border city: police

Texas Business Leader and Governor’s Appointee Tragically Killed in Border Community: Police Report

A well-known businessman, who had been appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott,…
Feds launch 'massive' investigation after viral video alleges Minnesota daycare fraud

Federal Authorities Initiate Major Investigation Following Viral Video on Minnesota Daycare Fraud Allegations

Federal authorities launched an extensive investigation in Minnesota on Monday, prompted by…
FILE - Voters fill out their ballots Nov. 4, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)

Democrats on Alert: Concerns Rise Over Trump’s Potential Influence in Upcoming Midterms

Based on historical patterns, Republicans could face challenges in maintaining control of…
I was a California girl forced into Saudi Arabian servitude

California Woman Recounts Harrowing Experience of Forced Servitude in Saudi Arabia

Elise Martin had just celebrated her 20th birthday. To fellow shoppers at…