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Yong Min Choe, 55, of Northport, pleaded guilty this week at federal court in Central Islip before United States District Judge Joanna Seybert to conspiracy to conceal and harbor illegal aliens at the franchise in Brentwood.
When sentenced, Choe faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment as well as a fine of up to twice the value of the gross gain. Additionally, Choe agreed to forfeit more than $1.3 million in assets that represent the proceeds of the offense.
According to court documents filed by Richard Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York:
In March 2004, Choe began operating the 7-Eleven store and, as part of the franchise agreement, agreed to abide by state and local labor laws.
Between 2004 and November 2019, Choe hired individuals who did not have the authorization to work in the United States and allowed those employees to use false social security numbers and other personal identifying information. As a result, Choe was able to pay his employees sub-standard wages and enrich himself.
“The defendant conveniently used his convenience store to harbor and exploit alien employees and steal wages,” Donoghue said. “This office, together with our law enforcement partners, is committed to vigorously enforcing immigration and labor laws that protect our borders as well as the workplace.”
“Over the course of 15 years, Choe knowingly hired individuals who had no legal authorization to work in the U.S., then took advantage of their illegal status by paying them inadequate wages with long hours,” stated HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Peter Fitzhugh. “HSI and its law enforcement partners are committed to protecting our communities from the abuses of corrupt business owners seeking to gain an illegal advantage and make a steep profit off the backs of others.”
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