Restaurant Owners Busted for Harboring Undocumented Workers, Face Up to 10 Years in Prison

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By Ciara Perez, News Reporter | iSkyCreations - News & Media (ISC)
Publish Date: August 20th, 2024

Jacksonville, Florida – In a shocking turn of events, two Jacksonville-area restaurant owners have been charged with harboring undocumented workers for their own financial gain. Hua Yao Ke, 38, and Ping Ping Zheng, 37, now face up to 10 years behind bars if convicted.

Ke, who owns Kamiya 86 Sushi and Thai in Ponte Vedra Beach, and Zheng, owner of Kamiya 86 Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar in Jacksonville Beach, are accused of employing undocumented workers without asking for legal work documents, a violation of federal law. Authorities say both owners provided rent-free housing for their workers, along with free food and transportation to and from the restaurants.

But that's not all—the workers were reportedly paid in cash, and taxes or other legal deductions were completely avoided, allowing the restaurant owners to profit at the expense of their employees and the law.

This case is the result of a major investigation led by Homeland Security and Border Patrol, with additional help from local law enforcement agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier is leading the prosecution.

Though they’ve been charged, Ke and Zheng are still presumed innocent until proven guilty. As the case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing crackdown on illegal labor practices in the restaurant industry.

Key Takeaways:

1. Two Jacksonville restaurant owners, Hua Yao Ke and Ping Ping Zheng, have been charged with harboring undocumented workers for financial gain.
2. Both owners face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
3. The restaurants allegedly housed workers illegally, provided them with free food, transportation, and paid them in cash without deducting taxes.
4. This case was part of a larger investigation by Homeland Security, Border Patrol, and local law enforcement.

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