Several law enforcement agencies were on scene at Aztec Framing Contractors Tuesday, April 30, 2019 in Rossville, Georgia. Agents with Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Bartow County Sheriff’s and the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Officer were on scene throughout the day. As part of a pursuit that dates back at least six years, Homeland Security Investigations agents raided offices in Hixson and Rossville, Georgia, on Tuesday, targeting a construction company CEO on allegations of money laundering.
Juan Antonio Perez, who owns Aztec Framing and Aztec Builders, has operated a multimillion dollar business by underpaying immigrants who are in the United States illegally, according to an affidavit from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Special Agent James Rives. Perez is also accused of failing to withhold federal payroll and Social Security taxes.
In addition to the local offices, agents raided a Cartersville restaurant tied to Perez, as well as three Georgia homes he owns.
Perez, who immigrated to the United States from Mexico illegally, paid a team to insulate him, according to the affidavit. Legal residents and U.S. citizens put utility bills and registered cars in their names. One man told agents he acquired a gun for Perez.
According to the affidavit, ICE is pursuing charges against Perez of harboring aliens for commercial advantage and illegal possession of a firearm. Because the business qualifies as “unlawful activity,” Rives argued in his affidavit, any spending from the proceeds of the company amounts to money laundering as well.