A Jacksonville Beach restaurant owner has admitted guilt in a case involving the harboring of illegal aliens for commercial gain, as revealed by an investigation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Ping Ping Zheng, aged 37 and residing in Jacksonville, could face up to ten years in federal prison. Under the plea agreement, Zheng will relinquish a Jacksonville residence and a transit van to the United States. The date for sentencing is yet to be determined.

The plea agreement details that Zheng was the proprietor of Kamiya 86 Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar in Jacksonville Beach. She employed workers who were unlawfully present in the United States without requiring documentation that would authorize them to work legally, thus violating federal employment and immigration laws.

In addition to providing employment at her restaurant, Zheng offered rent-free accommodation at her residence to these undocumented workers. She also provided free transportation between their housing and the restaurant, along with free meals during work hours. Payment was made in cash without withholding taxes or other deductions from their wages.

The investigation was conducted by ICE Jacksonville and the U.S. Border Patrol with support from the Jacksonville Beach Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier is handling the prosecution.