John Washburn, the general manager of San Diego Powder & Protective Coatings in El Cajon, has pleaded guilty in federal court to hiring undocumented immigrants without authorization. The plea agreement reveals that Washburn was aware of at least ten workers lacking legal work documents and that three resided in a company warehouse storing U.S. Navy submarine components.
The charges arose from a search warrant executed by federal agents at the company’s warehouses in March. Following his guilty plea, U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara L. Major sentenced Washburn to one year of probation and 50 hours of community service.
Washburn admitted to discussing with other managers about employees with “issues” or “bad paperwork,” indicating some lacked valid work authorization documents. In 2024, he communicated with company officials about assigning employees with “good paperwork” to military base tasks due to additional screening requirements for entry into restricted areas.
Homeland Security Investigations San Diego is leading the investigation, supported by various agencies including the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General and Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Henry F.B. Beshar and Michael A. Deshong are prosecuting the case.
Washburn’s charges fall under Title 8 U.S.C. § 1324a(a)(1)(A) and (f), which carry a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment and a $3,000 fine per alien involved.
This investigation is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative aiming to combat illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators.
