Thread: OK:Prosecutors want hefty fine against saddle maker over IAs

Prosecutors want hefty fine against saddle maker over illegal immigrants

Associated Press - May 13, 2008 8:15 AM ET

MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) - Federal prosecutors want a Sulphur saddle maker fined $100,000 for hiring illegal immigrants.

Billy Cook Harness and Saddle Incorporated pleaded guilty last year to a charge of providing false Social Security information.

Federal guidelines call for a fine of $6,000 to $12,000 but federal prosecutors say that isn't enough because the company had gross annual sales of $5.3 million at the time.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 20.
http://www.kswo.com:80/Global/story.asp?S=8314875

Good, I hope it sticks. That would be an illustration of a great deterrent.

"Federal guidelines call for a fine of $6,000 to $12,000 but federal prosecutors say that isn't enough because the company had gross annual sales of $5.3 million at the time.


Whoo Hoo go for it. Put those employers on notice and I mean big time.

Well, well, this is interesting. I sell horse equipment and I can tell you Billy Cook saddles are among the most popular brand available today.

I don't doubt many saddle manufacturers employ illegals. Good to see our immigration laws being enforced. I'm sure this will be among the first in a LONG line of others to come. I hope they make an example outta them. Shame on you Billy Cook.

Federal guidelines call for a fine of $6,000 to $12,000 but federal prosecutors say that isn't enough because the company had gross annual sales of $5.3 million at the time.

Forfeiture laws are meant to take the profit out of crime so this company should lose a year's profit.

I consider this a victory. Keep them coming.

Saddle maker fined over immigration violations

Wed, May 21 2008

— ( AP) – A judge has ordered a saddle and tack manufacturing company in Sulphur to pay $51,000 in fines in connection with violations of immigration law.
Billy Cook pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors immigration violations and was given a $3,000 fine on each count. The 77-year-old owner of Billy Cook Harness and Saddle also was given two years of probation on each misdemeanor count.
U.S. Attorney Sheldon Sperling said Tuesday Cook agreed with his longtime employee, Rutilio Osornio, to hire illegal aliens Osornio introduced to Cook.
Osornio pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count and was given $3,000 in fines and two years of probation.
In August 2006, a federal search warrant was executed at the business and 51 illegal aliens were found to be employed at the factory.
Defense Attorney Phil Hurst said the fine against the corporation exceeded guidelines.
“My personal viewpoint is it’s much to do about nothing,â€

[quote]“Bottom line? The aliens were removed and the employer is being held responsible.â€

THIS IS GREAT NEWS. BUT I HOPE IN THE NEAR FUTURE THAT EMPLOYERS OF ILLEGALS WILL LOSE THEIR BUSINESS LICENSE AND NEVER BE ABLE TO QUALIFY FOR ANOTHER BUSINESS LICENSE. THEIR TOTAL ASSETS SHOULD BE SEIZED AND FORFEITED. THEY ARE DESTROYING THE FABRIC OF OUR COUNTRY WITH THEIR HIRING PRACTICES. IT IS VERY SERIOUS.

Originally Posted by redpony353

THIS IS GREAT NEWS. BUT I HOPE IN THE NEAR FUTURE THAT EMPLOYERS OF ILLEGALS WILL LOSE THEIR BUSINESS LICENSE AND NEVER BE ABLE TO QUALIFY FOR ANOTHER BUSINESS LICENSE. THEIR TOTAL ASSETS SHOULD BE SEIZED AND FORFEITED. THEY ARE DESTROYING THE FABRIC OF OUR COUNTRY WITH THEIR HIRING PRACTICES. IT IS VERY SERIOUS.

Getting slapped with a $51,000 fine is a pretty hefty good start. Dunno about NEVER letting them do business again, maybe suspend them for a few months. Ouch...that would hurt!