Paul J. Younes, Unlawful Hiring of Alien, Nebraska 2026

March 26, 2026

A Kearney resident and his corporation are facing the consequences of their actions after being convicted of the unlawful hiring of an alien. Paul J. Younes, 63, of Kearney, Nebraska, and Kearney Hospitality, Inc. d/b/a Fairfield Inn & Suites have been sentenced for their roles in the offense.

Senior United States District Court Judge Lyle E. Strom handed down the sentences, ordering Younes to five years of probation and a fine of $3,000. Kearney Hospitality, Inc. was also hit with a five-year probation sentence and a fine of $150,000. Stephanie Hagemeier of Hastings, who was previously convicted for her role in the offense, received a one-year probation sentence and a fine of $500.

The investigation revealed that Blanca Gama, a citizen of Mexico who was not lawfully in the United States, was employed as the supervisor of housekeeping at the Holiday Inn Express in Hastings where Hagemeier is employed as the manager. Gama was under investigation by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General in 2014, but she quit her job at the Holiday Inn Express.

However, Gama later met with Younes, who arranged for her to be employed in the housekeeping department at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Kearney under the name Elizabeth Gomez. Gama’s re-hire at the Holiday Inn Express in Hastings was also authorized by Younes, despite her continued use of the name Blanca Gama at that location.

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and the Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The sentences handed down by Judge Strom serve as a reminder of the serious consequences of violating immigration laws.

The investigation into the unlawful hiring of an alien highlights the importance of ensuring that all employees are lawfully in the United States. It also serves as a warning to employers who may be tempted to skirt the law and hire unauthorized workers.

As the Grimy Times continues to investigate this case, we will provide updates on any further developments. In the meantime, it is clear that Younes and Kearney Hospitality, Inc. have been held accountable for their actions.

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