Route 56 Express in McPherson- Google image
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The owner of a McPherson gasoline station and convenience store has admitted hiring immigrants who were not authorized to work in the United States.
Satishkumar Patel pleaded guilty Thursday to routinely employing workers living illegally in the country and then paying them in cash without withholding federal income and Social Security taxes. Patel also admitted he operated a money transmitting business without the required state license.
His wife, Daxaben Patel, pleaded guilty to unlawfully operating a money transmitting business.
Prosecutors say the Patels are citizens of India who are themselves living illegally in the United States.
The plea agreements require the couple to forfeit more than $706,000 in cash, bank accounts, and gold seized by the government.
U.S. District Judge Eric Melgren set sentencing for Nov. 25.