Attorney Phil S. Hurst Firm: Hurst, McNeil & Gordon Address: 1020 West Second Street Sulphur, OK 73086-4814 Phone: (580) 622-3322 http://pview.findlaw.com/view/2357168_1 | |
| Saddle maker fined over immigration violations By The Associated Press 5/20/2008 4:41 PM MUSKOGEE -- A judge has ordered a saddle and tack manufacturing company in Sulphur to pay $51,000 in fines in connection with violations of immigration law. Billy Cook pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors immigration violations and was given a $3,000 fine on each count. The 77-year-old owner of Billy Cook Harness and Saddle also was given two years of probation on each misdemeanor count. U.S. Attorney Sheldon Sperling said Tuesday Cook agreed with his longtime employee, Rutilio Osornio, to hire illegal aliens Osornio introduced to Cook. Osornio pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count and was given $3,000 in fines and two years of probation. In August 2006, a federal search warrant was executed at the business and 51 illegal aliens were found to be employed at the factory. Defense Attorney Phil Hurst said the fine against the corporation exceeded guidelines. "My personal viewpoint is it's much to do about nothing," he said. "Homeland Security has to have something to justify their existence. They are the ones regulating immigration." Sperling said the case presented a clash of competing government objectives. "We are obligated to prosecute violations of immigration law," he said. "We "Bottom line? The aliens were removed and the employer is being held responsible." | |
Calling an illegal alien an 'indocumented immigrant' is like calling a drug dealer an 'unlicensed pharmacist'
