Man pleads guilty to hiring illegal immigrants
April 11, 2008

A 32-year-old illegal immigrant from Ecuador who built a prominent roofing business in Milford has pleaded guilty in federal court to harboring and employing other illegal immigrants.

more stories like thisDaniel Tacuri faces a hefty prison sentence and fines at his sentencing July 11. He also could be deported upon his release.

His arrest in December sent a chill through a town that has seen the Ecuadoran population soar to 2,000 in the past few years. Tacuri was seen as a leader in the burgeoning immigrant community in Milford.

Even the police sometimes turned to him for help in reaching out to immigrants.

On Wednesday, he admitted in US District Court in Worcester to harboring 20 illegal immigrants in the big, yellow house he owned downtown or in other locations.

He also knowingly employed 18 illegal immigrants at low wages, including a 13-year-old male, to boost his business.

Tacuri is facing up to 10 years in prison and $250,000 in fines for each of the 20 counts of harboring illegal immigrants.

He also faces up to six months in prison and $3,000 in fines for the employment charges.

Relatives said this week that the family has lost everything, including the house and several vehicles.

Tacuri's wife and son moved out of the house more than a month ago after it was discovered that they were living there without heat or utilities.

He also has a young daughter in Ecuador.

MARIA SACCHETTI

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