April 13, 2007

Owner of “Stitching Post” sewing machine sales business pleads guilty to crimes involving illegal aliens

DAYTON, Ohio — The owner of the “Stitching Post” superstore here pleaded guilty today to multiple charges involving harboring and hiring illegal aliens.  This guilty plea resulted from an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Joseph Edward Fulmer, 46, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Walter Herbert Rice to four charges, including encouraging and inducing aliens to reside in the United States illegally, concealing, harboring, and shielding illegal aliens, visa fraud and misuse, and unlawfully employing illegal aliens.  He agreed to forfeit his residence at 1475 Asbury Park Place in Centerville, Ohio, or $152,000 in the form of a bank check as an alternative to the property; he will also forfeit seized currency totaling $2,693.

The Stitching Post business that Fulmer owns repairs and sells sewing machines in various cities throughout Ohio.

Fulmer admitted in court documents that he met people in Mexico and promised to employ them at his business in Ohio. Fulmer paid to transport them to Dayton from the U.S. border, knowing that they had crossed illegally.  After they arrived in Dayton, and knowing that they were illegal aliens, he allowed them to live at his residence. Fulmer paid the illegal aliens in cash for their work at his business. In March 2007, Fulmer used fake travel documents so three illegal aliens could accompany him on a Caribbean cruise.

“The price is high for those who fail to respect the immigration laws of this nation,” said Brian M. Moskowitz, special agent in charge of the ICE Office of Investigation in Detroit. “Businesses large or small need to understand that it will not be ‘business as usual’ if they chose to use illegal aliens as a part of their workforce.”

Fulmer was convicted in 2004 after he was caught smuggling an illegal alien into the United States in Texas. Two of the three illegal aliens encountered during this investigation have waived their right to appear before an immigration judge; they will be immediately deported to Mexico.

A sentencing date is scheduled for July 9.  Assistant U.S Attorney Laura Clemmens, Southern District of Ohio, prosecuted this case.

-- ICE --