Deli Owner Fined for Using Illegal Workers
Tong Yuon Joe, a Simi Valley restaurateur who pleaded guilty to employing four undocumented workers, was sentenced Monday to two years’ probation and a $3,000 fine by U.S. District Judge Dean Pregerson.
The 44-year-old Korean immigrant, who owns the Simi 4 Deli on Tapo Street, pleaded guilty earlier this month to hiring four illegal Mexican workers. He had employed some of them for as long as five years.
As part of his plea agreement, Joe will have two years to pay the fine and will not spend any time in detention. He had faced a possible sentence of six months in jail and an $8,000 fine.
Joe pleaded guilty after INS agents cited him in response to a tip from Rep. Elton Gallegly’s office. Joe has operated the deli since 1989.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
