Teen Sues City Over Forced Labor

An 18-year-old is suing Santa Fe and his former stepfather for allegedly forcing him to wash city vehicles without pay starting at age 11 — a claim that violates child labor laws and minimum wage protections. The stepfather’s company held a lucrative city contract to clean fleet vehicles, yet the teen says he was made to work every Saturday under city supervision. The stepfather denies coercion, claiming the boy’s mother pushed him and that he even paid him for personal items. The lawsuit also targets the city for negligence and unjust enrichment, arguing they ignored the minor’s exploitation. The teen seeks triple wages, interest, legal fees, and damages for lost education, physical toll, and emotional trauma. The city has declined to comment but confirmed the contract’s existence. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/344db3b943421e14