State, Fed Investigators Raid VA Hospital Site

Posted: 12:04 pm EST February 9, 2011
Updated: 6:14 pm EST February 9, 2011

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. -- State and federal agents raided the huge VA hospital project in Lake Nona (see map) on Wednesday. The project involves hundreds of construction workers, and WFTV has learned it may involve illegal immigrants working there; that's what workers leaving the job site said.

Those workers told WFTV the investigators had a list of specific people they were looking for, but investigators won't confirm that; they only say it's an employment compensation fraud investigation.

The investigation was led by the State Department of Financial Services. Investigators searched car after car Wednesday checking IDs of anyone coming or going from the job site.

State investigators offered few details, only saying the investigation is an insurance fraud or employment compensation fraud investigation. WFTV learned they are specifically looking at subcontractors working at the site.

"It's an ongoing investigation. I can't comment on what we found," said Maj. Geoff Branch, Department of Financial Services.

Workers told WFTV it has to do with undocumented workers or illegal immigrants working at the site. The site is a massive $600 million project, a million square feet; Wednesday, it looked like a mall parking lot filled with construction equipment.

Investigators won't confirm that it has to do with illegal immigrants or comment on whether or not anyone has been arrested, but WFTV has learned immigration and customs enforcement officers are part of the investigation.

Part way through the day Wednesday, most workers were sent home early, many shaking their heads wondering what prompted the massive investigation.

"You coming back tomorrow?" WFTV reporter Jeff Deal asked a worker as he left.

"As far as I know, I am," he said.

The VA told WFTV they believe the investigation is part of a statewide crackdown targeting subcontractors and didn't just target their site. They said, if a subcontractor knowingly used illegal or ineligible workers, they could be kicked off the job.

http://oneoldvet.com/

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