Yesterday, federal search warrants were executed at five Colt Grill restaurants and 12 residences in two states. This followed a three-year investigation into labor exploitation and a five-count federal indictment against four individuals in Arizona.
On May 27, 2025, a grand jury in Phoenix indicted Robert and Brenda Clouston of northern Arizona, along with Luis Pedro Rogel-Jaimes and Iris Romero-Molina, both Mexican nationals residing illegally in Cottonwood, Arizona. The charges include Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens, Conspiracy to Harbor Illegal Aliens, Conspiracy to Encourage and Induce an Alien to Unlawfully Enter the United States, and Pattern and Practice of Knowingly Employing Unauthorized Aliens.
The indictment alleges that the Cloustons operated four Colt Grill restaurants in northern Arizona cities and one in Foley, Alabama. In September 2022, they planned for Romero-Molina to create R&R AZ Cleaning as a staffing company for the restaurants. Rogel-Jaimes and Romero-Molina allegedly recruited undocumented workers for these establishments, paying them below minimum wage without overtime compensation through R&R AZ Cleaning using funds from Colt Grill. The accused reportedly benefited financially from this scheme without paying proper employment taxes.
All four individuals were arrested on July 15 without incident. During the warrant execution, several undocumented illegal aliens were also detained for criminal or administrative immigration violations.
“Cooperation is the cornerstone for law enforcement in Arizona,” said United States Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “The United States Attorney’s Office is grateful to HSI for their hard work on this investigation.”
Ray Rede of HSI Arizona stated that “the success of this investigation is in large part due to the coordinated efforts of many law enforcement agencies working alongside HSI.”
Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes expressed gratitude towards federal partners saying that “coordinated, multi-agency enforcement actions like this one are essential to protecting our communities.”
Convictions for related conspiracy charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and up to $250,000 fines. The charge of knowingly employing unauthorized aliens carries up to six months imprisonment and fines per unauthorized employee.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America aimed at combating illegal immigration and organized crime.
HSI leads the federal investigation with support from DOL-OIG and IRS Criminal Investigation Phoenix Field Office. Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office assisted with executing search warrants while the U.S. Attorney’s Office handles prosecution.
An indictment charges an individual but does not imply guilt; innocence is presumed until proven otherwise in court.
