Ponte Vedra Beach Sushi restaurant owner pleads guilty to harboring undocumented workers for commercial gain The Ponte Vedra Beach and Jacksonville Beach locations were raided by Homeland Security in August 2024
Kamiya 86 in Ponte Vedra Beach (WJXT, Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.)
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – The owner of a sushi restaurant owner in Ponte Vedra Beach pleaded guilty to harboring undocumented workers for commercial gain , according to the Department of Justice.
Officials said Hua Yao Ke, 38, who owns the Kamiya 86 Sushi and Thai restaurant employed workers unlawfully present in the U.S.
Ke didn’t require the workers to provide documents stating that they could legally work in the U.S., contrary to federal law.
Investigators said Ke provided free food, housing, and transportation between the houses and the restaurants.
Federal agents raided the restaurant on Aug. 14, 2024.
Ke is facing up to five years in prison and a hearing has not been scheduled.
Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.
About the Author Jonathan Lundy headshot
Hailing from Detroit, Jonathan is excited to start his media career at News4JAX in November 2023. He is passionate about telling stories that matter to the community and he is honored to serve Jacksonville.
Jacksonville residents share their 2026 New Year's resolutions ▶ 1:15
Jacksonville residents share their 2026 New Year's resolutions
Owner of stolen Jacksonville food trailer says he's working to get it operational ▶ 0:32
Owner of stolen Jacksonville food trailer says he's working to get it operational
6-week-old baby dips her toes in water for Polar Plunge at Jacksonville Beach ▶ 0:15
6-week-old baby dips her toes in water for Polar Plunge at Jacksonville Beach
Meteorologist Katie Garner tracks rain through the weekend ▶ 0:55
Meteorologist Katie Garner tracks rain through the weekend
3 separate shootings in Jacksonville during New Year's celebrations in Jacksonville ▶ 0:57
3 separate shootings in Jacksonville during New Year's celebrations in Jacksonville
Fernandina Beach drops the shrimp to celebrate New Year's ▶ 1:54
Fernandina Beach drops the shrimp to celebrate New Year's
Study raises concerns over property values if Florida nixes HOAs ▶ 0:49
Study raises concerns over property values if Florida nixes HOAs
Freeze warning, bitter wind chills as new year approaches ▶ 1:14
Freeze warning, bitter wind chills as new year approaches
Fernandina Beach store owner’s funny response to burglary goes viral ▶ 1:57
Fernandina Beach store owner’s funny response to burglary goes viral
That’s a wrap! Thank you for supporting season 1 of ‘Voices of the 904′ ▶ 0:33
That’s a wrap! Thank you for supporting season 1 of ‘Voices of the 904′
‘They’re not indestructible’: Child e-bike injuries jump by almost 4,000% in three years ▶ 0:51
‘They’re not indestructible’: Child e-bike injuries jump by almost 4,000% in three years
Jonas Brothers show to mark last concert at Daily’s Place before closure for stadium renovations ▶ 0:34
Jonas Brothers show to mark last concert at Daily’s Place before closure for stadium renovations
Man killed in officer-involved shooting ▶ 1:15
Man killed in officer-involved shooting
Cold snap returns to Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia ▶ 1:17
Cold snap returns to Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia
Concerns raised after Jacksonville sees 3 pedestrians killed by vehicles in past week ▶ 0:59
Concerns raised after Jacksonville sees 3 pedestrians killed by vehicles in past week
Mizzou fans get in the spirit at Jacksonville Beach pep rally for TaxSlayer Gator Bowl ▶ 0:31
Mizzou fans get in the spirit at Jacksonville Beach pep rally for TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
Virginia fans get hyped for TaxSlayer Gator Bowl with pep rally in Jacksonville Beach ▶ 0:31
Virginia fans get hyped for TaxSlayer Gator Bowl with pep rally in Jacksonville Beach
Will the Jacksonville Icemen play Friday night despite ECHL strike? ▶ 0:41
Will the Jacksonville Icemen play Friday night despite ECHL strike?
Community steps up to help after food truck owner's trailer stolen on Christmas morning ▶ 0:27
Community steps up to help after food truck owner's trailer stolen on Christmas morning
Man dies in Christmas Eve shooting outside business near St. Augustine Road: JSO ▶ 0:43
Man dies in Christmas Eve shooting outside business near St. Augustine Road: JSO
Jacksonville family moves into home donated by church after losing everything in apartment fire ▶ 1:12
Jacksonville family moves into home donated by church after losing everything in apartment fire
Watch Katie's hilarious fail at re-gifting gift cards on The Morning Show ▶ 0:58
Watch Katie's hilarious fail at re-gifting gift cards on The Morning Show
Defense team in Jared Bridegan murder case wants ‘crucial’ witness to answer written questions ▶ 0:57
Defense team in Jared Bridegan murder case wants ‘crucial’ witness to answer written questions
Sinkhole on apartment property leaves Westside residents without water since Friday ▶ 1:52
Sinkhole on apartment property leaves Westside residents without water since Friday
Jacksonville street racers will have new option with groundbreaking of Callahan drag strip ▶ 0:59
Jacksonville street racers will have new option with groundbreaking of Callahan drag strip
Previous photo Next photo 