Feds: UAE officer kept unpaid Filipino servant in US

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island — A United Arab Emirates (UAE) military officer who attended the U.S. Naval War College in Rhode Island has been accused of luring a foreign servant to the United States, then failing to pay her and keeping her confined in the house.

Arif Al-Ali was charged Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Providence with visa fraud and lying to a government official.

He pleaded not guilty and was released on personal recognizance.

Prosecutors said the officer brought a woman from Philippines with him to the college, which serves both the U.S. and foreign militaries.

They said Al-Ali took away her passport and did not allow her to leave his home without an escort.

Prosecutors said she escaped and is in hiding.

Cmdr. Carla McCarthy, a spokeswoman for the college, said Al-Ali will continue his studies there. (AP)