SAN DIEGO—An El Cajon-area business that was targeted by federal agents earlier this year pleaded guilty on Nov. 26 along with its hiring manager to federal charges related to employing undocumented workers.
In March, federal agents entered San Diego Powder & Protective Coatings’ warehouse on Magnolia Avenue and detained numerous individuals at the business, which specializes in paint and coatings, including for military and government vessels.
Prosecutors said the company’s general manager, John Washburn, employed undocumented workers and let them live inside the company’s warehouse. Washburn pleaded guilty earlier this year to engaging in a pattern or practice of employing aliens, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and was sentenced to one year of probation and ordered to perform 50 hours of community service….