San Mateo, California — A wage theft case involving a nanny allegedly required to work extremely long hours has ended without a verdict on several labor-related charges. Although jurors reached a decision on separate criminal allegations, the unresolved wage and labor-trafficking counts may return to court.
Jury Leaves Wage and Labor Trafficking Charges Unresolved in San Mateo
Prosecutors accused San Mateo residents Qi Li, 35, and Jie Xu, 39, of withholding wages from a woman they hired as a nanny through an employment agency in China.
According to prosecutors, the nanny was allegedly required to work seven days a week, sometimes up to 20 hours a day. Jurors were unable to reach unanimous verdicts on the couple’s wage theft and labor-trafficking charges.
The jury separately convicted Li of assault and making a criminal threat involving the nanny. The prosecution alleged that Li threatened the woman with a knife after blaming her for their child’s illness.
The unresolved charges remain pending, and the court is expected to consider whether prosecutors may retry those portions of the case.
How California Law Protects Workers From Wage Theft
Although the criminal allegations in this wage theft case remain subject to further court proceedings, California law provides separate wage protections for domestic employees.
Under California’s Domestic Worker Bill of Rights and Wage Order No. 15, qualifying domestic workers may be entitled to minimum wage and overtime compensation. For example, certain personal attendants are generally entitled to overtime after nine hours in a workday or 45 hours in a workweek.
Employees who believe wages were withheld should consider preserving:
- Pay stubs and payment records
- Calendars or records showing hours worked
- Employment agreements or job notices
- Emails, texts, and instructions from the employer
- Records showing unpaid overtime or other compensation
California workers may also file a wage claim with the Labor Commissioner’s Office to seek unpaid wages or benefits.
Get Help Protecting Your Workplace Rights
Being denied earned wages can create significant financial and personal stress, especially when an employee depends on an employer for ongoing work or housing.
If your employer failed to pay required wages or overtime, an employment lawyer can help you understand your options. Labor Law Advocates offers free consultations for California wage-and-hour disputes. Contact us today to discuss your case.
