A Jacksonville Beach sushi restaurant owner has admitted guilt in a case involving the harboring of illegal aliens for personal financial benefit. This follows an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Ping Ping Zheng, 37, residing in Jacksonville, could face up to 10 years in federal prison. Under the plea agreement terms, Zheng will forfeit a residence in Jacksonville and a transit van to the United States. The sentencing date remains undecided.
The plea agreement details that Zheng owned Kamiya 86 Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar in Jacksonville Beach. At this establishment, she employed workers who were unlawfully present in the United States without legal authorization to work. She violated federal employment and immigration laws by not requiring these employees to provide documentation proving their eligibility to work legally.
Zheng also provided rent-free housing at her residence for these undocumented workers, along with free transportation between the house and restaurant, and meals during work hours. Payments to these workers were made in cash without tax or other deductions.
This case was investigated by ICE Jacksonville alongside the U.S. Border Patrol, with support from the Jacksonville Beach Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier is prosecuting the case.
