PHOENIX — A search warrant shows that a former employee at an amusement park raided by sheriff's deputies told authorities that the park's general manager was aware some workers were using fraudulent Social Security numbers.
Accusations by the former worker at Phoenix's Waterworld led to the recent seizure of employment records from three amusement parks operated by the same company in Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa.
Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio has said the case could lead to the first charges against a business under the state's new employer-sanctions law, which punishes businesses that employ illegal immigrants.
County Attorney Andrew Thomas tempered that, however, saying it would take a while for investigators to determine whether the company intentionally hired illegal workers.
Company representatives have released a statement reiterating the company's dedication to following employment laws and said the company is cooperating with Thomas' investigation.
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"Golfland Entertainment Centers is taking the investigation very seriously and is responding appropriately to the County Attorney's requests," the statement said.
The former employee who made the allegations — a facilities manager whose name is redacted from the search warrant released this week — left the company in January. However, under the state law, Golfland could be found in violation only if it had knowingly hired the employees after Jan. 1.
On Feb. 7, the former manager first went to deputies saying he had information that "several employees were using false Social Security numbers to gain employment."
The former employee told an investigator that he had confronted a general manager with the company on several occasions between October and January about employees who were not eligible to work in the United States.
The general manager reportedly replied, "We're gonna ignore the new law," according to the warrant.
Under the employer-sanctions law, businesses that knowingly hire illegal immigrants could face a license suspension lasting up to 10 days. Second-time violators would have their business licenses permanently revoked.
