A couple from Kentucky recently was convicted of harboring undocumented workers, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Yun Zheng, also known as Wendy, 50, and Yan Qui Wu, also known as Jason, 48, were convicted following a three-day jury trial, according to a release from ICE on Jan. 18. The couple faces up to 10 years in prison for each of the four counts, as well as a fine of up to $250,000 and restitution.
The release reports that trial testimony revealed the couple were owners and operators of the Tokyo Drago Buffet in Alexandria, Ky. From 2014 to 2017, they employed four undocumented workers while disregarding the fact that they were undocumented. Additionally, they housed the workers in their own home and "provided virtually all their transportation" to prevent the workers from being detected, according to the release.
"While working at the restaurant, one of the workers was badly burned by hot oil," the release states. "The owners initially refused to take him to the hospital because, in one of the defendant’s own words, he was present illegally and would be deported if the owners transported him to the hospital. This investigation began when the worker eventually received treatment several days later. The nurses treating him were so disturbed by what he described, as well as the defendants’ conduct, that one of them called a law enforcement hotline."
The investigation was conducted by ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), working with the Alexandria (Kentucky) Police Department.
The announcement was made by Carlton S. Shier IV, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky.
HSI works as a directorate of ICE, as well as the principal investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security, according to the release.
Sentencing is set for May 4.
