Four Arrested in Colt Grill Labor Exploitation Case

Categories: Arizona Breaking NewsArizona State News

Law enforcement officers investigating a Colt Grill restaurant in connection with labor exploitation.

News Summary

In a major law enforcement operation, four individuals, including restaurant owners, were arrested in Arizona and Alabama for money laundering and labor exploitation related to Colt Grill. The investigation, part of Operation Take Back America, uncovered the use of undocumented workers and minimum wage violations across multiple locations. As a result, approximately 200 employees face layoffs, and further immigration arrests may occur as the investigation continues.

Arizona – In a significant law enforcement operation, four individuals were arrested on July 15 in connection with a money laundering and labor exploitation investigation tied to Colt Grill restaurants in Arizona and Alabama. The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO), in coordination with Homeland Security and several federal agencies, executed 28 search warrants at multiple Colt Grill locations, resulting in more than 20 arrests related to immigration violations and labor-related crimes.

The raids commenced around 11 a.m. on Tuesday at restaurants located in Cottonwood, Prescott, Prescott Valley, and Sedona, Arizona, as well as in Foley, Alabama. The four individuals arrested have been identified as Robert and Brenda Clouston, both 61 years old, along with their employees Luis Pedro Rogel Jaimes, 33, and Iris Romero Molina, 29. The latter two are said to be undocumented immigrants from Mexico.

Authorities allege that the Cloustons operated a scheme utilizing a false cleaning company to disguise the employment of undocumented workers at their restaurants. They are accused of compensating these workers below minimum wage and failing to provide overtime pay. Charges against the four individuals include conspiracy to transport and harbor illegal aliens, conspiracy to encourage unlawful entry into the United States, and knowingly employing unauthorized aliens.

During the operations, federal agents intercepted several undocumented immigrants, all of whom were arrested for immigration violations. The YCSO noted that ongoing interviews could lead to additional immigration arrests in the future. As a direct consequence of the investigation, Colt Grill announced plans to lay off approximately 200 employees, signaling potential significant ramifications for both those directly involved in the business and its workforce.

The investigation is part of a broader federal initiative known as Operation Take Back America, which aims to combat illegal immigration across the nation. This specific probe has reportedly spanned three years, culminating in the recent arrests and executions of search warrants. Local law enforcement provided assistance during the operations to maintain security at the different locations involved in the investigation.

Former employees of Colt Grill have expressed surprise at the allegations, stating they had not noticed any suspicious activities during their tenure. The investigation continues to unfold, with authorities indicating that further updates may be forthcoming as additional information is gathered.

The ramifications of this operation extend beyond the immediate arrests and investigations. As federal authorities pursue investigations into criminal enterprises that exploit undocumented workers, they highlight the ongoing struggle against labor exploitation practices across the country. This case serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in the issues of immigration and labor rights, illustrating the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable workers in various sectors.

The investigation remains ongoing, and as more developments arise, further actions may emerge from law enforcement agencies, shedding light on the broader impact of this case. The YCSO and federal agencies are committed to ensuring accountability and justice as they navigate through the complexities of this multifaceted investigation.