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Huntington resident Roberto Villanueva, 68, pleaded guilty in Central Islip federal court to forced labor conspiracy and forced labor of employees at the Thatched Cottage, a former catering and wedding venue in Centerport.
U.S. Attorney Richard Donoghue that Villanueva, a former recruiter, and manager for the Thatched Cottage, admitted that workers were brought from the Philippines to the United States on work visas that expired shortly after their arrival. Once their visas expired, Villanueva coached workers how to apply for student visas by fraudulently representing that they intended to attend school full-time and had sufficient resources to support themselves during school.
Villanueva said that at times he deposited funds in the workers’ bank accounts to give the appearance of ample resources, and then withdrew the funds once the student visas were approved.
Donoghue said that when workers objected to performing certain jobs, working consecutive shifts or not being paid promptly, Villanueva threatened to report them to immigration authorities.
Villanueva further admitted that his actions were in coordination with Ralph Colamussi, the former owner of the catering hall.
When he is sentenced, Villaneuva will face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count. Colamussi pleaded guilty in September 2018 to forced labor of employees and is awaiting sentencing.
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