Written by Valerie González
After a three-day trial, a jury on Wednesday afternoon found two South Texas bakery owners guilty of illegally hiding and harboring employees in the United States.
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In February, eight employees and a Mexican couple, Leonardo Baez and Nora Avila-Guel, who have lawful permanent residence in the United States, were arrested at their bakery and prosecuted. It is uncommon for business owners to face criminal charges instead of only receiving a fine.
Two of the staff members were in the country illegally, while the other six had visiting visas. None were authorized to work in the United States. According to the FBI affidavit, workers shared two restrooms and a room with six beds in the same building as the bakery.
This week, Baez and Avila-Guel were put to the test in Brownsville, a border city located roughly 20 minutes southeast of their bakery in Los Fresnos. Before U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez, Jr., the jury heard testimony from five government witnesses, including an agent who was on the scene of the raid. There were no witnesses called by the defense.
During the trial, videos of the interviews with the two workers who were in the nation without work permits or visas were shown. According to local reports, both workers claimed they were paid for their labor and were not detained against their choice.
While they awaited trial, Baez and Avila-Guel were permitted to resume their jobs. A consistent flow of consumers returned to support the business when they reopened their bakery in April. They will remain free on bond until November, when they are expected to be sentenced.
