Weitzel facing forfeiture for using illegal workers

GULFPORT — Federal prosecutors want a South Mississippi businessman to forfeit $475,000 in an illegal immigration case.

Randy Weitzel of Gulfport allegedly earned the money by employing illegal immigrants, including some who worked construction jobs at the federal courthouse in Gulfport where Weitzel was convicted and Keesler Air Force base in Biloxi.

Weitzel was identified in court records as the operator of Biloxi-based Artisan Textures Inc. and Procoat of LA Inc., in Baton Rouge, La. He pleaded guilty June 3 to conspiracy to defraud the United States. Sentencing is set for Sept. 1.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Gaines H. Cleveland filed a motion yesterday that asked for a final order of forfeiture. Cleveland’s motion said the money is connected to the illegal immigrant worker case.

Weitzel’s lawyer didn’t immediately respond to call.

Source: AP