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Couple Sentenced In Smuggled Aliens Case

Written by KEY News Staff

Story Created: Feb 13, 2012 at 2:19 PM PDT

Story Updated: Feb 13, 2012 at 2:22 PM PDT

Los Angeles - A husband and wife from Paso Robles who admitted taking in illegal aliens after they were smuggled into the United States and forced to work in unhealthy conditions at elder care facilities were each sentenced Monday.

Maximino Morales, 46, and Melinda Morales, 48, were sentenced to 18 months each in federal prison.

The Morales', both natives of the Philippines, pleaded guilty last May to conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens. They operated four elder care facilities under the name “Four M’s, Inc." FBI officials say some of the aliens worked alone in 24-hour shifts for less than minimum wage. They lived in the care facilities and some even slept in a closet, on a sofa and in a walled-off portion of an unheated garage. The aliens were also told that police or immigration authorities would be summoned if they attempted to leave.

The Morales' were also ordered to pay $600,000 in restitution to the nine Filipino victims.
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