Man Admits Hiring Illegal Workers
A Simi Valley restaurant owner pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of employing undocumented workers, the Immigration and Naturalization Service reported Thursday.
According to authorities, Tong Yuon Joe, owner of the Simi-4 Deli at 2321 Tapo St. and himself an immigrant, pleaded guilty to employing four undocumented workers, two of whom have worked at the deli since 1992.
The guilty plea capped a monthlong INS investigation initiated by the office of Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Simi Valley).
According to authorities, Joe said he employed the workers out of humanitarian concern. He could face up to five years in prison and a $2,000 fine for each worker he employed.
Joe is free on recognizance and is scheduled to be sentenced July 21 at U.S. District Court in Los Angeles.
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