PHOENIX, Ariz. – The grim reaper of the business world has been dealt a severe blow as Robert and Brenda Clouston, owners of Colt Grill restaurants in northern Arizona, have been indicted for a sordid scheme involving illegal alien labor exploitation. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and local law enforcement agencies swooped down on five Colt Grill locations and 12 residences across two states, culminating years of investigation.
The feds landed a heavy punch against the Cloustons, along with Luis Pedro Rogel-Jaimes and Iris Romero-Molina, for Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens, Conspiracy to Harbor Illegal Aliens, and other heinous charges. The trio’s shakedown of undocumented workers at Colt Grill restaurants was nothing short of brazen, paying below minimum wage and skirting overtime pay.
Robert and Brenda Clouston aren’t the only ones in trouble; Luis Pedro Rogel-Jaimes, age 33, and Iris Romero-Molina, age 29, are both Mexican nationals residing in Cottonwood, Arizona. They orchestrated a fraudulent staffing company, R&R AZ Cleaning, as a front to recruit undocumented workers for the Colt Grill chain.
United States Attorney Timothy Courchaine praised the collaborative effort of federal and local law enforcement, noting that this case is a shining example of what happens when agencies work together to protect communities. Ray Rede, acting special agent in charge for HSI Arizona, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the commitment to combating crime with real community impact.
Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes expressed gratitude to federal partners and local agencies for dismantling this criminal enterprise. The charges against the Clouston gang could lead to substantial prison terms and heavy fines, a stark reminder of the consequences for exploiting vulnerable workers and violating immigration laws.
Convictions for Conspiracy to Bring Illegal Aliens to the United States Unlawfully, Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens, and other counts carry penalties that include up to 10 years in prison and $250,000 fines. The message is clear: when it comes to organized crime and human trafficking, there will be justice served.
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Key Facts
- State: Arizona
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Organized Crime|Public Corruption|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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