John Washburn, the general manager of San Diego Powder & Protective Coatings, and three employees appeared in federal court in San Diego on immigration charges. These charges followed a search warrant executed by federal agents at the El Cajon-based company. Washburn, along with employees Gilver Martinez-Juanta, Miguel Angel Leal-Sanchez, and Fernando Casas-Gamboa, were taken into custody as part of the investigation.
Washburn faces charges of conspiracy to harbor undocumented workers, while the employees face charges of using false documentation to obtain employment. According to the complaint, Washburn allegedly allowed undocumented employees to live at the company's premises and employed them despite their status.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara L. Major set bail for Washburn at $5,000. The preliminary hearing for all defendants is scheduled for April 8, 2025.
The investigation was conducted by multiple agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations and the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General, among others. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Henry F.B. Beshar and Michael A. Deshong.
The charges are part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative aimed at combatting illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations.
As noted in the release, "The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty."
