These Women Thought They Found a Home — They Found a Cage

Austin Parie Chronister's mug shot. Photo courtesy of the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office.

In a shocking case out of Milwaukee, a 38-year-old real estate agent is accused of running a sex trafficking operation from his home. Police say Austin Parie Chronister abused, branded, and controlled women, while a local attorney allegedly helped keep the operation running. The disturbing details have rocked the community and raised questions about how such abuse could continue for years.

The 'Slave House' Allegations

Two women told police they were groomed and manipulated into moving into Chronister's home, where they were forced into sexual servitude — a pattern of abuse that allegedly began in 2020.

One of the women said she was made to sign a contract that required "sex upon demand," was required to wear a collar, and was given a "slave number," as reported by WISN. She and the other victim were tattooed with their assigned numbers — something Chronister allegedly referred to as their "slave tattoos."

The abuse was not only sexual. The women described being choked, beaten, and kicked if they did not complete the household tasks or attempted to leave the house. One of the women told police that Chronister forced her into non-consensual sex and placed her in a headlock until she lost consciousness. Another woman alleged that when she tried to leave in 2023, he beat her so severely she passed out — and woke up to him sexually assaulting her. The names of the two women have not been released publicly.

Lawyer Allegedly Controlled Their Lives

The home where the reported abuse occurred was called "House Saint Pierre" and was co-owned by Chronister and attorney Christin Saint Pierre, a criminal defense attorney, according to WISN.

While Saint Pierre hasn't been charged, police say she helped maintain control over the women — including allegedly requiring both to change their last names to "Saint Pierre," as reported by PEOPLE. According to the complaint, she withheld their birth certificates, Social Security cards, and their paychecks – maintaining strict oversight of their movements.

Police believe this setup kept the victims isolated and dependent, preventing them from escaping for years. The extent of Saint Pierre's alleged involvement is still under investigation.

Arrest and Charges

Chronister was arrested on March 13, 2025, and faces charges of human trafficking, false imprisonment, and two counts of second-degree sexual assault with domestic abuse assessments. He remains in custody on a $75,000 bond.

So far, he has not entered a plea and his defense attorney has yet to make a public statement. If he is convicted, he could face up to 111 years in jail.

If you or someone you know is in need of support from domestic abuse, go to The Hotline or call 1-800-799-7233.

References: 12 News tracks down woman connected to possible sex slave operation | Realtor Accused of Trafficking Women, Tattooing Them as 'Slaves,' Was Allegedly Assisted by Attorney: Police | Milwaukee real estate agent enacted violent sexual, physical punishment on women in his home, charges say