A Jamaican reportedly used witchcraft to hold five women as his sex slaves for nearly a year

Hughroy Hylton, 30, has been slapped with a long list of charges by members of the Organised Crime Unit after they found the women at his Salt Spring, Rosemont residence in December 2008. Mr. Hylton has been charged with several counts of rape, conspiracy to rape, abduction, practicing obeah and dealing in obeah. The Director of Public Prosecutions is to decide whether additional charges of human trafficking are to be laid against him. The police say they carried out a raid at Mr. Hylton's home in Montego Bay on December 12 2008 in search of guns and drugs when they found the women. The arrests led to the unraveling of a sordid tale of witchcraft, physical abuse, abduction and rape. It's alleged that between January and December 2008, Mr. Hylton picked up the girls who were unemployed in Spanish Town, St Catherine. Investigators said he then used his knowledge of black magic or obeah to threaten the girls if they decided to leave from under his control. Those who wanted the leave were reportedly told by Mr. Hylton that he would use witchcraft to bring great harm to them and their families. Over the one year period, investigators alleged that he had continuous sex with the women aged 18 to 22. He also invited other men to have sex with them. The girls were also beaten repeatedly and many of the sexual acts were videotaped, according to statements submitted by the police. The cops added that Mr. Hylton allegedly took away the cellular phones of the women. On December 12 2008, members of the Organized Crime Unit rescued the women when they carried out a raid at Mr. Hylton's residence in Montego Bay, St James. They were taken to Kingston where they told the police of their ordeal. Mr. Hylton was arrested the following day.