Ex-Suffolk Catering Hall Manager Pleads Guilty To Forced Labor

CENTRAL ISLIP, NY — The former manager of a Centerport catering hall pleaded guilty Wednesday to forced labor conspiracy and forced labor of employees, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Roberto Villanueva, 64, of Huntington, recruited for and managed Thatched Cottage, a former catering and wedding venue. When sentenced, he faces up to 20 years in prison, as well as restitution and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count.

Villanueva admitted that workers were brought from the Philippines to the United States on H-2B visas that expired shortly after their arrival. Once their H-2B visas expired, Villanueva coached workers how to apply for student visas by fraudulently representing that they intended to attend school full-time and had sufficient resources to support themselves during school. Villanueva admitted that at times, he deposited funds in the workers’ bank accounts to give the appearance of ample resources, and then withdrew the funds once the student visas were approved.

When workers objected to performing certain jobs, working consecutive shifts or not being paid promptly, Villanueva threatened to report them to immigration authorities. Villanueva said his actions were in concert and agreement with Ralph Colamussi, the former owner of Thatched Cottage. Colamussi pleaded guilty in September 2018 to forced labor of employees and is awaiting sentencing.