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.
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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.
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