Ponte Vedra and Jacksonville Beach restaurant owners face federal charges

FLORIDA — Two restaurant owners in the Jacksonville area have been charged with harboring undocumented workers for commercial advantage and private financial gain, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.

Hua Yao Ke, 38, and Ping Ping Zheng, 37, both of Jacksonville, reportedly employed workers who were unlawfully present in the United States at their respective restaurants, Kamiya 86 Sushi and Thai in Ponte Vedra Beach and Kamiya 86 Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar in Jacksonville Beach.

Mr Ke and Ms Zheng allegedly did not require these workers to provide documentation proving their legal authorization to work in the United States, violating federal law.

The investigation reportedly revealed that Ke and Zheng provided the undocumented workers with rent-free housing, free transportation between their residences and the restaurants, and free food. The workers were said to have been paid in cash without taxes or other payments being withheld from their wages.

If convicted, Mr Ke and Ms Zheng each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

It is important to note that a criminal complaint is merely a formal charge, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Homeland Security Investigations and the Border Patrol investigated this case, with assistance from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office and the Jacksonville Beach Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier is prosecuting the case.