John Washburn, the general manager at San Diego Powder & Protective Coatings in El Cajon, appeared in federal court with three employees, facing charges related to immigration violations. The charges followed a search warrant executed by federal agents at the property.
Washburn was charged with conspiracy to harbor aliens, while employees Gilver Martinez-Juanta, Miguel Angel Leal-Sanchez, and Fernando Casas-Gamboa faced charges for using false documents to work in the U.S.
Court documents allege that Washburn employed undocumented workers and permitted them to reside in a company warehouse. The three employees allegedly used false attestation to secure employment.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 8, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., as ordered by U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara L. Major. Washburn's bond was set at $5,000.
The investigation is handled by the Homeland Security Investigations, San Diego Office, with support from multiple federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, among others.
The case is prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Henry F.B. Beshar and Michael A. Deshong.
The charges against Washburn and the employees carry significant penalties, including a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
This operation is a component of "Operation Take Back America," a federal initiative targeting illegal immigration, transnational criminal organizations, and related crimes.