Thread: AZ-Candle company still has questions about raid

September 20, 2008 - 5:56PM
Candle company still has questions about raid
Comments 12| Recommend 1
Devon Hersom, Tribune
Business was almost back to normal for a Chandler candle company raided by sheriff's authorities last week, despite some unanswered questions from management and a short-handed work staff.

Chandler factory targeted in immigration raid

SPECIAL REPORT: Tribune examines Sheriff Arpaio's crime suppression sweeps

In total, 65 employees of the more than 200-person Gold Canyon Candle Co. were arrested Sept. 10 on suspicion of identity theft and illegal immigration issues. One woman had even stolen the Social Security number of a male White House staff member, Maricopa County authorities said.

All of the employment records were taken from the office near Riggs Road and Arizona Avenue, even though only 31 people were named in the search warrant, according to the candle company's attorney, Ezra Clark. He believes the search warrant issued to the company was "overbroad" and allowed the officials more freedom than necessary.

"We are getting the documents back after formally requesting them," Clark said.

According to Sheriff Joe Arpaio, the raid was done due to an anonymous tip about possible violations of the employer sanctions law.

According to spokeswoman Rebecca Clyde, the company has not been contacted by MCSO regarding the incident.

"There are so many questions that still linger in the air about it," Clyde said of the raid.

Clyde described the candle manufacturing plant, once a home-based business, as a "by the book, letter-of-the-law-type of company" that has forged ahead despite the controversy.

She visited the company the day following the raid and said workers had rolled up their sleeves to take on the extra work. Clyde said some workers also had to learn other jobs in order to prepare for the holiday gift-giving season.

She did not know whether the company had hired more people to fill the vacant spots, but said that "a small surge" of job applications were received following the news reports of the raid.

Clark expressed disappointment with the sheriff's office treatment of the company, explaining that a warrant had not been provided to him or any company representatives in the midst of the raid. He has since received a copy, but is glad the company is carrying on throughout the scrutiny.

"I would say they are doing remarkably well considering what they went through last week," Clark said.



http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/126284

There are so many questions that still linger in the air about it," Clyde said of the raid.

I have 'questions' as well! For starters, why was your company employing so many illegal invaders? As far as i'm concerned, any 'questions' you might have are MOOT until you can explain why you have decided to cheat this country and it's citizens by hiring illegal invaders..

My question is, What makes these peole think they have the right to break the law?

In total, 65 employees of the more than 200-person Gold Canyon Candle Co.

Thats huge. And another good reason to use E-Verify.

One woman had even stolen the Social Security number of a male White House staff member,

Now that is classic....at least it is hitting closer to Washington....and the HR person can't tell the difference between a womans name and a guys name???

Originally Posted by grandmasmad

One woman had even stolen the Social Security number of a male White House staff member,

Now that is classic....at least it is hitting closer to Washington....and the HR person can't tell the difference between a womans name and a guys name???

I suspect the HR person could care less, just so long as the warm body standing before her can produce a social security card! Stolen, fradulent, male or female. It doesn't matter! Nobody is going to check the I-9 form anyway !

All the more reason why E-Verify needs to be be made mandatory for every business that hires employees in this country!

This shows that E-Verify is an absolute necessity.