Thread: Judge finds evidence of federal conspiracy in Houst

Judge finds evidence of federal conspiracy in Houst
on immigration raid




Associated Press - July 10, 2008 3:55 AM ET

HOUSTON (AP) - Prosecutors intend to present to a federal grand jury for possible indictments the immigration charges facing four people at a rag factory.

The Houston Chronicle reports a federal judge ruled on yesterday, after five hours of testimony, there was evidence to support federal conspiracy charges that the owner of Action Rags USA, Mabarik Kahlon and three managers knew undocumented workers were hired and they had presented false work documents.

More than 160 suspected illegal immigrants working in Action Rags USA, a hot, cluttered factory in north Houston, were detained on June 25, 1 of the largest immigration raids there in nearly two years.

At least 74 have been released by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials for humanitarian reasons.

In her ruling, the judge cited evidence from government informants against Kahlon and other employees.

Defense attorney Paul Nugent represents 34-year-old Valerie Rodriguez, described by government officials as the company's resource manager. He said government informants obtained scant evidence against his client, who he says was only a secretary.

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://www.newschannel10.com/global/story.asp?s=8651978

This ruling is encouraging. However, I think the punishment will be light, maybe probation and a fine. We would not want the company to go out of business and hurt the economy now would we ?