3 Indicted On Suspicion Of Employing Illegal Immigrants

Tufly Drywall Faces Charges Related To Zorinsky Project

OMAHA, Neb. -- Three people were indicted on Thursday on charges of allowing illegal immigrants to work on the Zorinsky Federal Building construction project.

All three worked for Tufly Drywall of Omaha, although one person no longer works there, investigators said. They're all accused of conspiring to harbor illegal immigrants.

In June, agents with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency raided Tufly Drywall, which is near 149th and A streets. At the time, Tufly released the following statement from CEO Don Gatewood:
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"This morning, we had a visit from several federal agencies for a search warrant for documentation relating primarily to employees and subcontractor files. The investigation under way is the result of a complaint from a third party. The agencies and Tufly company are cooperating with each other in every way possible to answer any questions pertaining to the investigation.

Tufly Company has been a responsible employer in the Omaha area for over 30 years and will continue to serve its broad customer base and provide excellent employment opportunities to individuals for years to come. When appropriate, we will make additional comments."

On Thursday, Gatewood said Tufly is disappointed with the indictments but will continue to cooperate with federal authorities.

The indictment covers incidents during construction of the Zorinsky Federal Building from 2004 to 2007.

If convicted, the three could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Previous Stories:

* June 27, 2007: Feds Raid Omaha Drywall Company

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