A Florida restaurant owner has found himself in hot water after pleading guilty to employing undocumented workers. Hua Yao Ke, 38, owner and operator of Kamiya 86 Sushi and Thai restaurant, admitted to hiring workers who were unlawfully present in the United States and failing to verify their legal work status.
Ke’s scheme went beyond just hiring undocumented workers. He also provided them with free housing and transportation, paid them in cash, and failed to withhold taxes from their wages, according to the plea agreement.
READ: Florida Man Tries To Outsmart Feds, Ends Up Facing More Jail Time
This case highlights the ongoing issue of employers exploiting undocumented workers and gaining an unfair advantage over businesses that play by the rules.
Ke faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Border Patrol, with assistance from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
