Pittsburg, Texas-based Pilgrim's Pride announced it will pay the federal government $4.5 million over three years to settle a two-year investigation into identity theft and hiring people not authorized to work in the United States.
As part of the settlement, Pilgrim's Pride recognized that its voluntary compliance programs can be enhanced to more accurately identify unauthorized persons who seek or gain employment through identity fraud or other unlawful means.
The agreement with the U.S. Attorney's office for the Eastern District of Texas and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) marks the completion of the government's investigation that began in 2007.
In 2007 and 2008, ICE conducted worksite enforcement and identify-theft investigations at five Pilgrim's Pride locations, apprehending about 338 unauthorized workers.
No civil or criminal charges were filed against the company during the course of the investigation, and both the U.S. Attorney's office and Pilgrim's Pride acknowledged that the settlement does not constitute any admission of civil or criminal misconduct on the part of Pilgrim's Pride or any of its directors, officers, management or other employees.
Pilgrim's Pride said it continually audits and reviews its processes and procedures to assure continuing compliance with best hiring practices and existing employment law. The company provides education and training on proper hiring procedures, fraudulent document detection, use of the E-Verify/Basic Pilot Employment Verification Program, and anti-discrimination procedures.
Pilgrim's Pride also said it conducts internal and third-party audits of I-9 forms and hiring practices on an ongoing basis, and fully investigates any reports of alleged identity theft.
The news comes days after Pilgrim's Pride announced it had emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy after completing a 13-month restructuring that included selling a 64 percent share in the company to JBS USA.
Source: meatingplace
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