Thread: St. Louis Happy Apples charged employing illegal aliens

Happy Apples charged with employing illegal aliens

http://www.bizjournals.com

Joette Reidy and Lochirco Fruit and Produce Inc. pleaded guilty to charges of hiring illegal aliens, U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway said Tuesday.

Reidy, born Lochirco, of Washington, Mo., was an officer of Lochirco Fruit and Produce, which does business as "Happy Apples."

According to the court, Happy Apples produced candy apples from its main warehouse in Union, Mo. Happy Apples grew apples at an orchard owned and operated by it in Marthasville, Mo. The operation of the orchard and production of candied apples was seasonal work requiring an influx of laborers during the fall months. For the past several years Reidy was responsible for hiring the seasonal workforce. Over the years, as Happy Apples' volume of production increased, so did its labor needs. Reidy, 40, began to meet those needs with aliens unauthorized for employment. By the fall of 2006, Happy Apples was employing approximately 60 to 70 seasonal workers, many of whom were illegal aliens. At least 10 of those aliens had been hired within the year prior to Oct. 19, 2006.

Reidy pleaded guilty to one felony count of hiring illegal aliens and the company pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of hiring illegal aliens.

In addition to Happy Apples being charged with hiring illegal aliens, the company is forfeiting $500,000. Happy Apples also agreed to pay a fine of not more than $3,000 for each employed unauthorized alien for a total of $99,000.

Reidy now faces a maximum of five years in prison and/or a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentencing has been set for Feb. 7, 2008.

Happy Apples should have been hiring X-Cons.

Dixie

I bet Happy apples aren't so happy anymore! How'd ya like dem apples???

Reidy now faces a maximum of five years in prison and/or a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentencing has been set for Feb. 7, 2008.

This is key. We need prison time and a heavy fine for deterrence.

Thursday, February 7, 2008 - 4:44 PM CST
Reidy, Lochirco Fruit sentenced for employing illegals at "Happy Apple" facilities

St. Louis Business Journal

Joette Reidy and Lochirco Fruit and Produce Inc. were sentenced to probation on charges of hiring illegal aliens, U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway announced Thursday.

Reidy, born Lochirco, of Washington, Mo., was an officer of Lochirco Fruit and Produce, which does business as "Happy Apples."

According to the court, Happy Apples produced candy apples from its main warehouse in Union, Mo. Happy Apples grew apples at an orchard it owned and operated in Marthasville, Mo. The operation of the orchard and production of candied apples was seasonal work requiring an influx of laborers during the fall months. For the past several years Reidy was responsible for hiring the seasonal workforce. Over the years, as Happy Apples' volume of production increased, so did its labor needs. Reidy, 40, began to meet those needs with aliens unauthorized for employment. By the fall of 2006, Happy Apples was employing approximately 60 to 70 seasonal workers, many of whom were illegal aliens. At least 10 of those aliens had been hired within the year prior to Oct. 19, 2006.

Reidy pleaded guilty in November to one felony count of hiring illegal aliens and the company pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of hiring illegal aliens.

In addition to Happy Apples being charged with hiring illegal aliens, the company is forfeiting $500,000. Happy Apples also agreed to pay a fine of not more than $3,000 for each employed unauthorized alien for a total of $99,000.

http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stor ... ily53.html

dixie - that is a great suggestion. I have found, unfortunately through family experience, that there are many ex-cons who would love to have a decent wage full time job. Most companies will not hire them. A large number of probationers and parolees are young people who got involved with drugs. This is just one old man's opinion, but I believe the recidvism rate would be much lower if theses young folks could find decent employment and not have to compete with the 21st century work slaves from other countries who are here illegally.