PORTLAND: An Oregon man originally from Thailand has admitted bringing four Thai nationals into the US to provide cheap labour at his restaurants.
Paul Jumroon pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal charges of forced labour, visa fraud conspiracy and filing a false income tax return.
Prosecutors say Jumroon, of Depoe Bay, used threats of deportation, control over identification documents and other methods to force the victims to work about 80 hours a week for minimal pay.
He agreed Wednesday to pay the victims a combined $131,391.95 (4.1 million baht) for their unpaid labour.
Jumroon is scheduled to be sentenced May 24. He faces up to 20 years in prison.