CENTERPORT, N.Y. (1010 WINS) — A 65-year-old Long Island man was sentenced to six years in prison for his role in a conspiracy to trap immigrants and force them to work at a Centerport caterer, the Department of Justice announced on Wednesday.
Roberto Villanueva was a recruiter and manager for the Thatched Cottage, a caterer and wedding venue.
In February 2020, he admitted to bringing people from the Philippines to the U.S. with and H-2B labor visa that expired shortly after they’re arrival.
He would then coach the immigrants on how to apply for student visas by lying about their intention to attend school full-time.
He would deposit funds in their bank accounts to prove they could afford to do so, and then withdraw the money once the visas were approved.
When workers would push back against the consecutive shifts they were forced to work, late pay, or poor working conditions, Villanueva would threaten to sic immigration enforcement on them.
“Villanueva exploited his victims’ immigration status, promising them the American dream, but instead threatening arrest or deportation if they didn’t work 16 hours a day, often unpaid, sleeping on bug infested mattresses covered in garbage bags, without heat or hot water,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace.
Police arrested Villanueva in December 2017 for forced labor conspiracy.
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