JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hua Yao Ke and Ping Ping Zheng, both of Jacksonville, have been charged for allegedly harboring undocumented workers for commercial advantage and private financial gain.
According to the criminal complaints, Ke owned and operated Kamiya 86 Sushi and Thai in Ponte Vedra Beach, while Zheng owned and operated Kamiya 86 Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar in Jacksonville Beach.
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Both allegedly employed workers who were in the United States illegally and not authorized to work. They reportedly failed to require proper documentation from these employees, violating federal law.
Furthermore, Ke and Zheng are accused of providing rent-free housing to these undocumented workers at their respective residences, along with free transportation and food.
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They also allegedly paid the workers in cash, without withholding taxes or other required payments.
The investigation into this case was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Border Patrol, with support from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office and the Jacksonville Beach Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier.
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