Ponte Vedra Beach Sushi restaurant owner pleads guilty to harboring undocumented workers for commercial gain

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.