Paso Robles couple arrested for illegal Filipino smuggling

The Associated Press
Tuesday, Mar. 30, 2010 - 1:21 pm
LOS ANGELES, CA

FBI agents have arrested a Paso Robles couple accused of smuggling illegal alien Filipinos into California and forcing them to work in nursing homes for little or no pay.

The FBI and U.S. attorney's office announced Tuesday the arrests of 44-year-old Maximino Morales and 46-year-old Melinda Morales. Search warrants were also served at four elder care facilities in Paso Robles.

Investigators say the couple lured at least three Filipinos to California with promises of legitimate work and a better life.

Prosecutors say the illegal immigrants were forced to work in substandard conditions and the Morales couple used threats of deportation, among other things.

Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2010/03/30/264422 ... z0jitMFanN