Rochester, N.Y.– In a shocking case of harboring illegal aliens, J. Guadalupe Hernandez, 29, of Farmington, N.Y., pleaded guilty to the crime before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan W. Feldman on March 2011.
According to the guilty plea, Hernandez, the owner of El Jimador Mexican Restaurant in Farmington, knowingly or recklessly disregarded the fact that three men were unlawfully present in the United States. These men were found living in the restaurant’s basement when agents from Homeland Security Investigations executed a search warrant at the restaurant in March 2011.
The men admitted to working at the restaurant and being paid in cash by Hernandez. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa J. Miller stated that Hernandez harbored the three men, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Hernandez’s plea is the culmination of an investigation by Special Agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero.
Hernandez’s actions were a clear violation of U.S. law, and his guilty plea is a significant step towards justice. The investigation and subsequent plea deal demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement to combating human trafficking and harboring of illegal aliens.
The sentencing will be scheduled before U.S. District Court Judge David G. Larimer. Hernandez’s fate now hangs in the balance as he faces the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence and a substantial fine.
In light of this case, it is clear that the consequences of harboring illegal aliens are severe and can have far-reaching consequences. Hernandez’s plea serves as a warning to others who may be tempted to engage in similar activities.
The case highlights the importance of enforcing U.S. immigration laws and the need for vigilance in detecting and preventing human trafficking. As the investigation and subsequent plea deal demonstrate, law enforcement agencies will continue to work tirelessly to combat these crimes and bring perpetrators to justice.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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