El Cajon, California, November 29, 2025
San Diego Powder & Protective Coatings and its HR manager, Karli Buxton, have pleaded guilty to federal charges for employing undocumented workers. The company will forfeit $230,000 in profits and has agreed to improve hiring practices through the IMAGE program and the use of the E-Verify system.
El Cajon Company and HR Manager Plead Guilty to Immigration Charges
El Cajon, California – San Diego Powder & Protective Coatings, a government contractor based in El Cajon, and its hiring manager, Karli Buxton, have pleaded guilty to federal charges related to employing undocumented workers. The company has agreed to forfeit $230,000 in profits gained from these practices.
Details of the Case
In March 2025, federal agents conducted a raid at the company’s warehouse on Magnolia Avenue, detaining numerous individuals. The investigation revealed that operations manager John Washburn and others recruited undocumented workers who lacked authorization to work in the United States. Washburn pleaded guilty in June 2025 to engaging in a pattern or practice of employing undocumented immigrants.
Buxton, who was responsible for verifying employment eligibility since 2023, admitted to accepting fraudulent work-authorization documents from certain employees, knowingly hiring individuals not legally permitted to work.
Company’s Actions and Compliance
As part of the plea agreement, the company acknowledged that undocumented employees were often assigned to secure worksites, such as military bases and ports of entry, to avoid additional screening. However, these workers had access to military-related equipment, including components for submarines and aquatic vehicles used by the U.S. Navy.
The company has agreed to participate in the Department of Homeland Security’s Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers (IMAGE) program, which aims to strengthen hiring and employment verification practices. Additionally, the company committed to using the E-Verify system for all new hires for the next two years.
Background Context
The IMAGE program provides guidance to businesses on topics such as the use of fraudulent documents and forced labor, helping employers ensure the integrity of their workforce. U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon emphasized the importance of such compliance programs, stating that the Department of Justice will continue to prioritize investigations into businesses employing individuals without authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What charges did San Diego Powder & Protective Coatings and Karli Buxton plead guilty to?
They pleaded guilty to federal charges related to employing undocumented workers.
What is the IMAGE program?
The IMAGE program is a Department of Homeland Security initiative that helps businesses strengthen hiring and employment verification practices.
What penalties did the company face?
The company agreed to forfeit $230,000 in profits gained from employing undocumented workers.
What is the E-Verify system?
E-Verify is an internet-based system that allows businesses to verify the employment eligibility of their employees.
What is the role of U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon in this case?
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon emphasized the importance of compliance programs like IMAGE and stated that the Department of Justice will continue to prioritize investigations into businesses employing individuals without authorization.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Involved | San Diego Powder & Protective Coatings |
| Location | El Cajon, California |
| Charges | Employing undocumented workers |
| HR Manager | Karli Buxton |
| Profit Forfeited | $230,000 |
| Program Enrolled | IMAGE (Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers) |
| Commitment | Use of E-Verify system for new hires for two years |
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