http://www.somerset-kentucky.com/homepage/local_story_128024159.html

Published: May 07, 2008 02:41 am            

Illegal alien bust made at business

By SUSAN WHEELDON, CJ Staff Writer
Commonwealth Journal
 

Nine illegal immigrants were arrested by Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement officers yesterday after a month-and-a-half-long investigation revealed they had used counterfeit identification.

The probe began after a traffic stop made by Vehicle Enforcement Officer Duffy Sutton, in which he obtained some information that there were people in Pulaski County using counterfeit social security and identification cards.

Sgt. Brian Jackson of KVE said the nine individuals, all of whom were working at Eagle Hardwood, had been using false social security and identification cards.

Several of those arrested were using the identities of deceased individuals.

Jackson said Eagle Hardwood was not at fault in the matter.

“There was no way for Eagle Hardwood to know these people were using false identification cards,” said Jackson. [KFIRE note: Yes there was, Sgt. Jackson - E-verify]

Jackson also said undocumented immigration has become an issue in the area.

“It seems to be a growing problem,” Jackson said.

Jackson added that a person using counterfeit identification can create other problems, such as individuals encountering complications with their own credit.

Steve Merrick, owner of Eagle Hardwood, said the business had grown from 15 employees in 1985 to 600 currently, and he has striven to run the company ethically and honestly over the years. Merrick said that although this happened, there was no intent by anyone with Eagle Hardwood to do anything wrong.

Arrested and charged with theft of the identity of another were Aracely Rodas, of Burnside; Mardi E. Martinez, of Somerset; Martin Neblina, of Somerset, Rosa I. Lopez, of Science Hill; Liney Reyes a.k.a. Dalia Magallan, of Danville; Yolanda P. Cortez, of Somerset; Francisca Velasco, of Somerset; Rafael Fernandez, of Somerset; and Adrian Estevan, of Somerset.

Jackson said the investigation is continuing by Sutton and more arrests are expected to be made of individuals who are illegal immigrants and are working at other businesses in Pulaski County.

Other officers assisting with the immigration arrest were David Burton, Sgt. Mike Taylor, Shane Hines, Dennis Jackson, Chris McKinney, Ivan Reed and Travis Rogers.