The previous proprietor of the Boston-area chain Stash’s Pizza has been convicted of compelled labor following a nine-day trial in federal court docket in Boston.
“Today’s guilty verdict sends a powerful message to abusive employers that exploiting employees through fear and intimidation will never be tolerated,” stated appearing U.S. Lawyer for Massachusetts Joshua Levy. “I hope that this verdict also alerts others who may be victims of exploitation and harm by employers, that the federal government will not sit idly by.”
The federal jury convicted Stavros “Steve” Papantoniadis, 48, of Westwood, of three counts every of compelled labor and tried compelled labor — prices that carry a sentence of as much as 20 years in jail every.
Papantoniadis was arrested in March of final yr and has remained in custody ever since. Chief U.S. District Decide F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for Sept. 12.
The feds say that Papantoniadis used “violent physical abuse, threats of abuse,” and repeated threats to have staff deported in the event that they didn’t comply with his instructions. He used these ways on 5 males and one girl he employed.
“Stavros Papantoniadis instilled fear in his employees. He underpaid and threatened them, some with fear of arrest and many with physical abuse. Today, the jury saw the indignities his employees were subjected to and have found Papantoniadis guilty of forced labor violations,” stated Michael J. Krol, Particular Agent in Cost of Homeland Safety Investigations in New England. “Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect – especially those who place their trust in their employer. HSI is committed to ensuring those who violate forced labor laws are held accountable and brought to justice.”
This can be a creating story.
Herald file photograph
Steve Papantoniadis, proper, receives an “A” ranking for his restaurant Stash’s Pizza from then-Mayor Marty Walsh in November 2016. (Employees photograph by Angela Rowlings)
