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Colt Grill Owners Grilled in Labor Exploitation Scheme
PHOENIX, Ariz. – A three-year federal investigation culminated yesterday in the arrest of four individuals and raids at five Colt Grill restaurants and 12 residences across two states. The targets: a brazen scheme to exploit undocumented workers for profit. Federal search warrants were executed following a five-count federal indictment handed down by a Phoenix grand jury.
Robert and Brenda Clouston, both 61 of northern Arizona, along with Luis Pedro Rogel-Jaimes, 33, and Iris Romero-Molina, 29, both Mexican nationals illegally present in the United States and residing in Cottonwood, Arizona, are accused of Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens, Conspiracy to Harbor Illegal Aliens, Conspiracy to Encourage and Induce an Alien to Unlawfully Enter the United States, and Pattern and Practice of Knowingly Employing Unauthorized Aliens. The indictment details a calculated plan to cut costs by utilizing a vulnerable workforce.
According to investigators, the Cloustons, who operate four Colt Grill restaurants in Cottonwood, Prescott, Prescott Valley, and Sedona, Arizona, and one in Foley, Alabama, partnered with Rogel-Jaimes and Romero-Molina in September 2022. The pair allegedly created a shell company, R&R AZ Cleaning, to act as a staffing agency, funneling undocumented workers to the restaurants. These workers were then paid sub-minimum wages and denied overtime, with the Cloustons allegedly pocketing the difference and avoiding proper employment tax payments. It’s a classic exploitation play, preying on those with limited options and a fear of reporting abuse.
All four defendants were arrested on July 15 without incident. Law enforcement didn’t just stop at the alleged ringleaders; several undocumented individuals working at the restaurants were also taken into custody on immigration charges. The raid sends a clear message: exploiting vulnerable populations will not be tolerated. “Cooperation is the cornerstone for law enforcement in Arizona,” stated United States Attorney Timothy Courchaine, “and this case demonstrates the great outcome that comes from federal and local law enforcement working together.”
The investigation was a coordinated effort led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and bolstered by the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office. “This multiyear case involving several federal charges is a testament of our commitment to combatting crime that has true impact to communities,” said Ray Rede, acting special agent in charge for HSI Arizona. Sheriff David Rhodes added, “Coordinated, multi-agency enforcement actions like this one are essential to protecting our communities from the destabilizing impacts of organized crime.”
If convicted, the defendants face serious consequences. Conspiracy charges – including bringing illegal aliens to the United States unlawfully, transporting them, harboring them, and encouraging unlawful entry – each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine. The charge of Pattern and Practice of Knowingly Employing Unauthorized Aliens carries a maximum sentence of six months in prison and a $3,000 fine *per unauthorized employee* – a penalty that could quickly add up. This case is a stark reminder that cheap labor often comes at a steep human cost, and those who profit from it will be held accountable.
Key Facts
- State: Arizona
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Human Trafficking|Organized Crime|White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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