Man Admits Hiring Illegal Workers
- Share via
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.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
