French Gourmet's owner pleads guilty to hiring illegal alien
French Gourmet's owner pleads guilty to hiring undocumented workers
By Kristina Davis, Reporter - Public safety
Originally published October 13, 2011 at 6:15 p.m., updated October 13, 2011 at 7:42 p.m.
SAN DIEGO — The owner of one of San Diego’s most established dining rooms and high-end bakeries, The French Gourmet, pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court to the longtime practice of hiring undocumented workers.
The iconic restaurant, bakery and catering business on Turquoise Street in Pacific Beach has remained open since federal agents raided it in May 2008 and arrested 18 workers.
The company and one of its managers, Richard Kauffmann, 58, also pleaded guilty Thursday to hiring at least 10 undocumented workers in 2006 and 2007, a felony that could send Kauffmann to prison for up to five years, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Michel Malécot, the restaurant’s 59-year-old owner and president, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of continuing to employ illegal workers. He faces up to six months in prison.
The restaurant stands to forfeit $350,000 to $650,000 in earnings, a sum to be decided by U.S. District Judge Thomas Whelan during a Dec. 19 sentencing hearing.
Attorney Eugene Iredale, who represents the restaurant and Malécot, said the business should be able to survive if the court imposes the minimum fine.
“We hope The French Gourmet continues to be in business for many years,â€