Trafficking case against Saudi princess dismissed

Santa Ana: A human-trafficking case against a Saudi princess in the US has been dismissed.

The surprise announcement came on Friday as 42-year-old Meshael Al Ayban was to face arraignment on a charge that could have fetched her as many as 12 years in prison.

The charge was filed after a Kenyan maid alleged Meshael had taken away her passport and forced her to work long hours without pay.

Prosecutors now say further investigation did not corroborate the allegations.

The maid escaped from Meshael’s condo in July, got on a bus and told a passenger her story, authorities said. The passenger helped her contact police.

Meshael and her attorneys likened the issue to a contract dispute and said the maid and her counterparts were treated well.

But District Attorney Tony Rackauckas said the circumstances were closer to slavery.

Meshael had been free on $5 million in bail posted by the Saudi consulate.