New Bedford factory owner sentenced in immigration case

BOSTON—The president of a New Bedford leather-goods factory that was raided in 2007 by immigration agents has been sentenced to 12 months in federal prison for harboring and concealing illegal immigrants.

Francesco Insolia, the owner of Michael Bianco Inc., was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Douglas Woodlock.  He will also pay a $30,000 fine.

Michael Bianco Inc. was ordered to pay $1.5 million for 18 specific counts of knowingly hiring illegal immigrants between 2004 and late 2006. The company also will pay $460,000 in restitution for employee overtime.

The owner and the company each agreed to plead guilty in November.

In March 2007, federal authorities raided the Michael Bianco factory and arrested 361 workers, most of whom were from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.

The company was sold to Eagle Industries of Fenton, Mo., more than a year ago.