Krispy Kreme accepts fine at Ohio plant

MONROE, Ohio (AP) — Krispy Kreme Doughnuts has agreed to pay a $40,000 fine for hiring illegal immigrants at a plant in southwest Ohio.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement says it inspected a Krispy Kreme facility in Monroe after the Butler County sheriff’s office reported that dozens of unauthorized workers were employed there. Authorities say ICE’s 2007 investigation showed the company did not have required paperwork for all workers at the plant.

In a news release, immigration officials say Krispy Kreme agreed to revise its immigration compliance program.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. spokesman Brian Little said in an e-mail today the Winston-Salem, N.C.-based company has improved its document verification system and is committed to complying with all laws and regulations.

Krispy Kreme closed down northeast Ohio stores in Boardman and Ravenna due to declining sales and the recession.