The owner of the Danny's Family Car Wash chain pleaded guilty in federal court today to conspiracy to commit identity theft. It represents one of the most high-profile cases against an Arizona businessman for employing unauthorized workers.
Almost a year ago, Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted a massive raid at several Danny’s Family Car Wash locations owned by Daniel Hendon.
The government charged more than a dozen people, mostly middle managers, for knowingly hired unauthorized workers and even helped some obtain fake documents.
Hendon was left off of that indictment, but on Thursday morning he agreed to a deal with federal prosecutors. He pleaded guilty to one felony count. His attorney Lee Stein said the agreement has implications for the future of the business.
"Part of the agreement with the U.S. attorney’s office is that he transitions control of the management of the company," Stein said. "And that is ongoing, and Heather Hendon will be president of the company on an ongoing basis."
Hendon’s sentencing date is October 20, but Stein said that it will likely be delayed.