A Ukrainian man has settled a lawsuit against a Livermore couple whom he accused of labor trafficking.

Oleksandr Bulatov, 36, filed a civil complaint last month in U.S. District Court against Kathryn and Michael Cook, alleging they forced him to work without pay for 15 months.

Bulatov agreed to drop the case on Wednesday, according to court records, stating he and the Cooks “reached an agreement to settle this action.”

Bulatov moved to Maine two years ago at the invitation of Kathryn Cook, who he met in Poland through mutual friends, according to the complaint. He said that she offered to buy him a one-way ticket to Maine, to host him and connect him with work in the cannabis industry.

Bulatov alleged that those connections never materialized. During his 15 months in their home, Bulatov said he completed a number of tasks around the home, including repairs and domestic work, all without pay. He said he worked for two months at a maple syrup operation in Rangeley owned by Michael Cook’s cousin Chris Botka, who was also a named defendant in the complaint.

Bulatov also alleged that the Cooks withheld $2,150 he received in stipends from Catholic Charities, and that when he left their home they refused to give back his dog.

Bulatov’s attorney did not respond to messages this week asking to discuss the settlement. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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