Thread: Trial over immigrant workers postponed

clarionledger.com
Written by
The Clarion-Ledger
9:31 PM, Jan. 8, 2012

RIDGELAND — A federal trial for a landscaping business that allegedly used undocumented immigrant workers has been moved to April 2.

The jury trial was scheduled for today in U.S. District Court in Jackson, but attorneys for Love Irrigation said they need time to prepare.

Just before Christmas, Judge Henry Wingate approved the defense's motion, granting 45 more days.

Paul and Barbara Love of Ridgeland are accused of using undocumented workers from 2003 through 2010. They were arraigned in November on a multicount indictment and released on a $10,000 bond each.

The Loves and their business were ordered to forfeit $220,109.67 from accounts with First Commercial Bank.

Paul Love, vice president and secretary, faces five counts of conspiracy to defraud the United States; bringing in and harboring illegal immigrants; encouraging illegal immigrants to reside in the U.S.; and misuse of Social Security numbers.

Barbara Love, president and treasurer, faces the same counts, including two additional counts of fraud and misuse of visas/permits/false attestation.

If convicted, Paul Love faces up to 30 years and a $1.25 million fine, and Barbara Love faces a maximum 40 years, a $1.5 million fine and five years' probation.

http://www.clarionledger.com/article...317/1001/RSS01

Why aren't hundreds of such businesses being targeted? Because those who are politically-connected will always get a pass. the system needs to be AUTOMATIC.