Apr 3, 2:06 AM EDT


Sentencing for RI man who hired illegal immigrants

By HILARY RUSS


PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- A janitorial contractor whose workers were arrested during immigration raids at Rhode Island courthouses will soon learn his fate.

Vincent D'Elia pleaded guilty in October to knowlingly hiring illegal immigrants. Federal prosecutors have asked U.S. District Judge William Smith to send D'Elia prison and impose a fine.

D'Elia is scheduled to be sentenced Friday.

His company, Falcon Maintenance, was one of two whose workers were arrested during the raids. Proseuctors say all but five of his 23 courthouse workers were illegal immigrants and many are now facing deportation.

Prosecutors say in court documents a lenient sentence could send a "perverse" message that only his workers would suffer for his scheme.

D'Elia's defense attorney declined to comment.



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