Suburban Man Charged With Torturing Two Mentally Challenged Tenants

(CBS) -- A south suburban man is accused of taking advantage of two mentally challenged tenants, reports WBBM's Lisa Fielding.

State's Attorney Anita Alvarez says it's the first time they've charged anyone with labor trafficking under the Human Trafficking Initiative.

"This is the first case ever where we have charged labor trafficking under our statute in Cook County and we believe it is the first of its kind in the entire state of Illinois," said Alvarez.

26-year old Roy Estivez is accused of forcing two of his tenants to work and turn over their paychecks. Alvarez says Estivez also tortured the mentally challenged men.

"The defendant began torturing both victims by beating, kicking and whipping them with electrical cords. Estivez also burned them all over their faces and bodies with a hot knife which he would heat over a flame," said Alvarez.

Estivez was arrested after one of the men's bosses noticed visible injuries and the victim told him about the abuse. He's being held on a $500,000 bond.