Australian man allegedly kept sex slaves and branded them with tattoos
Brisbane, Australia - A 35-year-old Australian man is on trial for allegedly using drugs to turn several women into sex slaves – with the help of his girlfriend.
Matthew James Markcrow and 23-year-old Crystal Marie Sawyer have been charged in the Australian city of Brisbane for allegedly engaging in "sexual servitude and organized prostitution."
Police previously found evidence that the pair had drugged and sexually assaulted several women between the ages of 17 and 24.
According to Australian media, the accused also allegedly controlled virtually every aspect of the victims' lives. On top of that, the women were even "branded" with tattoos.
The accused 35-year-old posted photos of the tattoos on his private Facebook page, showing various women's bodies with the words "Property of Matt M." inked on their skin.
Under the Facebook postings, he also stated that he was their "boyfriends in the future" and if he "had all the names it would look more like a scroll."
Defendant's girlfriend controlled the girls "like a mother"
Police raided properties belonging to the couple on Thursday and discovered drugs and recordings of sexual acts.
During the search, officers also encountered Crystal Marie Sawyer and some of her victims. According to the reports, the 23-year-old treated the girls "like a mother."
The pair now face a court case where they will answer for a total of 13 charges. While Matthew James Markcrow is currently in police custody, his girlfriend has been released on bail, though she must report to police twice a week.
According to law enforcement officials, the investigation is still ongoing, and the trial is scheduled to resume on February 24.
Cover photo: meinzahn/123RF