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Defendants Face Justice for Hiring Undocumented Workers in New York
ROCHESTER, N.Y.– In a shocking display of disregard for the law, Geoffrey Lechner, 52, and his brother Douglas Lechner, 51, have been brought to justice for their role in employing unauthorized aliens at their lawn care and landscaping company, Clover Lawn Care.
The brothers, who were fined $3,000 each by U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson, were found guilty of knowingly hiring two or more aliens to work at Clover Lawn Care despite being aware that they were not authorized to work in the United States.
The investigation, which was led by Special Agents of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero, Agents of the United States Border Patrol under the direction of Assistant Patrol Agent in Charge Michael Werthman, and Officers of the Brighton Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark T. Henderson, revealed a pattern of disregard for federal immigration laws.
The case against the Lechners came to light in June 2012, following an accident involving a Clover Lawn Care vehicle driven by four employees in Brighton, N.Y.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa J. Miller, who handled the case, stated that the brothers’ actions were a clear violation of federal law and demonstrated a blatant disregard for the safety and well-being of their employees.
The sentencing of the Lechners sends a strong message that employing unauthorized aliens will not be tolerated in New York. It is a crucial step towards protecting the integrity of our immigration system and ensuring that employers adhere to the law.
As the investigation continues, it is clear that the Lechners’ actions were not isolated, and further action may be taken to hold other individuals and businesses accountable for similar crimes.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Human Trafficking|White Collor Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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