Two Clinton County Businesses Plead Guilty To Immigration Offenses
Two Clinton County, IL businesses, Behrmann Meat Processing, Inc., and Behrmann
Yorkshire Farm, pleaded guilty to harboring illegal aliens from detection for the purpose of
commercial advantage and private financial gain on June 29, 2012, the United States Attorney for
the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. The maximum penalty
that can be imposed is a $500,000 fine and one to five years of probation.
Both companies came to the attention of U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents when
three illegal aliens attempted to access Scott Air Force Base. Agents executed a federal search
warrant and interviewed Dennis and Clifford Behrmann in their capacities as owners and officers
of Behrmann Meat Processing, Inc., and Behrmann Yorkshire Farms. Dennis Berhmann admitted
he knew the aliens were illegal and that he continued to employ them. Clifford Behrmann admitted
that he rented a house located on Behrmann Yorkshire Farm’s property to one of the aliens. Dennis
Behrmann also obtained a phone for them in his name. In addition, records indicate that the
Behrmann Meat Processing, Inc., received many Social Security “No Match” letters for the aliens.
The United States has prosecuted the adult illegal aliens that were employed at Behrmann
Meat Processing, Inc., and Behrmann Yorkshire Farms. The illegal aliens cooperated with the
United States and confirmed their illegal presence and work status in the United States.
The United States and the Defendant Businesses agreed that Behrmann Meat Processing, Inc.,
and Behrmann Yorkshire Farms shall forfeit a total of $50,000 to the United States and shall pay a
$5,000 fine. The Defendants further agreed to participate in an “e-verify” program, to permit
voluntary employment compliance inspections of their business locations by agents and employees
of the Department of Homeland Security - U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and to participate
in compliance training.
U.S. Attorney Stephen R. Wigginton noted, “While it is critical, in today’s harsh economy,
that American businesses stay in business, it is equally important that these businesses operate within
the scope of the law.”
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security - U.S. Customs and Border Protection and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Deirdre A. Durborow.
