Raided SC poultry plant mends hiring, avoids trial

A South Carolina poultry plant raided by immigration agents last year has agreed to change its hiring practices to avoid federal charges of knowingly employing illegal immigrants, federal prosecutors said Tuesday.

Under the agreement, Columbia Farms, Inc., will also pay the government $1.5 million to settle pending claims of immigration violations against the company. Two managers will be allowed to enter a program aimed at clearing them of charges.

Federal agents rounded up hundreds of suspected illegal immigrants during a massive raid on the Greenville plant in October 2008. Most of the workers were deported, while several dozen others are serving prison time for using illegal documents and false Social Security numbers or for re-entering the country illegally.

U.S. Attorney Walt Wilkins said the deal was reached as attorneys prepared for trial next month.

"Columbia Farms and its affiliates have clearly demonstrated their acceptance of responsibility by making corporate decisions to overhaul their hiring practices," Wilkins said. "I've been impressed with the steps they have taken so far."

House of Raeford, Columbia Farms' North Carolina-based parent company, processes chickens and turkeys in eight plants in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana and Michigan.

"Today's agreement acknowledges our full cooperation with the government's investigation. We continue our commitment to doing business with the highest ethical standards, and to complying with all federal and state employment laws and regulations," Robert C. Johnson, CEO of Columbia Farms, said in a statement.

Under the agreement, Columbia Farms has two years to get in line with federal hiring practices.

It must use E-Verify - an Internet-based system that employers use to check on the immigration status of new hires - and regularly train employees on hiring practices. The company must also hire a compliance officer to monitor the company, as well as an external auditor to conduct annual reviews of employment forms.

If the company doesn't comply, prosecutors could still pursue their case.

Prosecutors said plant manager Barry Cronic began hiring illegal immigrants in 2000 and accused personnel manager Elaine Crump of lying on employment forms.

Both had pleaded not guilty. Now, attorneys for both said their clients will likely return to work at the plant.

"We are pleased with the results, and Mr. Cronic is glad to be able to put this behind him and move on with his life," said Cronic attorney Bart Daniel.