Prosecutors reach agreement with SC poultry plant

By MEG KINNARD Associated Press Writer

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Federal prosecutors are giving a South Carolina poultry plant facing immigration violations two years to get in line with federal practices.

U.S. Attorney Walt Wilkins said Tuesday that Columbia Farms, Inc., has agreed to pay the government $1.5 million to settle pending claims against the company. Two accused employees will enter a supervised program aimed at clearing them of charges.

Federal agents rounded up hundreds of suspected illegal immigrants during a raid on the Greenville plant last fall. Many were deported.

Jury selection had been set to begin for a trial against Columbia Farms on charges the company knowingly hired illegal immigrants.

A spokesman for Columbia Farms' parent company, North Carolina-based House of Raeford, said it would have a statement later Tuesday.