San Diego Powder & Protective Coatings, a government contractor based in El Cajon, California, and its hiring manager, Karli Buxton, have pleaded guilty in federal court to engaging in a pattern or practice of hiring undocumented immigrants without authorization to work in the United States.
The plea follows a worksite enforcement action which occurred on March 27, 2025, at San Diego Powder & Protective Coatings’ facility.
As part of the plea agreement, the company admitted that its operations manager, John Washburn, and others recruited undocumented immigrants who did not have authorization to work in the United States.
Buxton, who was responsible for verifying that new employees were eligible to work in the United States, admitted that she was aware certain employees were presenting fraudulent documents to show their authorization to work in the United States, but she accepted the documents and hired them for employment at the company.
The company also admitted that it had frequently sent employees to work in secure locations such as military bases or ports of entry and avoided sending any employees working illegally to these secure locations where they would be subject to further screening.
San Diego Powder & Protective Coatings has agreed to forfeit $230,000, which the company gained from engaging in the practice of hiring undocumented immigrants.
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon warned the business community that investigations into companies that hire undocumented immigrants will continue, and that enrolling in the IMAGE program can provide numerous benefits.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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