8 workers denied bond after plant raid
Hattiesburg American • August 27, 2008


Eight suspected illegal workers detained in a raid Monday at a Howard Industries plant in Laurel were denied bond Wednesday.



U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael T. Parker denied bond during their preliminary and detention hearings in U.S. District Court in Hattiesburg.

Each were charged with aggravated identity theft.

Assistant U.S. attorney Gaines Cleveland said yesterday that the eight were arrested and charged with a crime because ICE agents were able to verify through personnel records at the plant that they were using someone else’s identities on employee eligibility paperwork, as well as permanent resident alien cards.

Those denied bond were:



Paula Gonzalez

Miguel Bartholome-Perez

Pedro Simon-Vazquez

Rigoberto Rodriguez

Maria Montalvo Guzman

Fernando Hernandez-Virgen

Angel Rodriguez-Flores

Doroteo Fernandez-Soto.

If convicted, each could face up to two years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine.

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