One of the ironies of this is that the new owner of the plant, apparently not able to find enough local workers, employs Somali. Legally, since it’s easier for them to get here legally. There’s probably a need for some sort of guest worker program.
The allegation (which I believe based on personal knowledge) was that Rubashkin or people acting in his behalf were selling US worker visas in foreign countries.
Once the visa-holder arrived, they didn’t work for the meat plant but moved elsewhere. The meat plant then hired illegals in their place.
Probably the fraud conviction instead was to help cover a widespread illegal practice that big business political donors like.
Well, that's a sign that he needs to increase his wages.