Mexican Restaurant Owner Pleads Guilty to Fraud | Birmingham News

A Florida-based restaurateur named Cesar Campos-Reyes just admitted to massive fraud, money laundering, and hiring undocumented workers — all tied to misusing over $866,000 in pandemic relief funds meant for small businesses. Instead of keeping his restaurants afloat, he used the cash to buy property and kept illegal workers on staff until July 2025. Now facing up to 20 years for wire fraud, 10 years for money laundering, and 6 months for unlawful employment, Campos-Reyes is looking at steep fines and asset forfeiture. This case sends a clear warning: taxpayer money isn’t a slush fund — break the rules, and you’ll pay the price. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/89f4862a19066c5f