Prosecutors allege exploitation of foreign workers brought to Mid-Columbia through fraud

Three Tri-City residents are among four individuals indicted for allegedly obtaining temporary work visas under false pretenses and bringing 500 workers from Mexico to eastern Washington between 2022-24. 

Erica Cisneros and husband and wife Francisco Rodriguez Martel and Esmerelda Rodriguez, along with Giovanna Sierra Carrillo of Yakima, are now facing a 51-count indictment for allegedly illegally obtaining H-2A visas and exploiting foreign workers they brought into the country, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Eastern Washington. 

Operating as a labor contract business called Harvest Plus, the four individuals allegedly submitted paperwork to multiple agencies claiming that about 10 agricultural operations in Benton and Yakima counties needed temporary foreign labor during the 2022, 2023 and 2024 crop seasons. Those documents, filed with the U.S. departments of Labor and State as well as with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, included bogus job locations, hours and wages and coverage for worker injury or illness. 

The defendants than recruited foreign laborers in Mexico with guarantees of legal employment along with promises of housing, food, paid travel and visas. Those workers instead were forced to perform non-approved domestic labor, work overtime without pay and in extreme heat without access to water and while being exposed to pesticides without protective equipment, the U.S. Attorney’s office claims. Some were housed in overcrowded conditions, with Rodriguez Martel requiring illegal mandatory housing and food fees. 

“When bad actors exploit vulnerable workers or attempt to game the system, we investigate, we expose, and we hold them accountable,” said Anthony P. D’Esposito, Department of Labor Inspector General, in a statement. “At the same time, we safeguard the U.S. employers who follow the law and play by the rules. We will continue working with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to ensure these programs serve legitimate labor needs – not criminal enterprises. Fraud will not be tolerated. Accountability is not optional.” 

The State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service worked with federal labor officials in the investigation. The case still must be presented to a federal jury to determine whether the defendants will be convicted or not.

Hanford contractor pays $3.45 million to settle fraud allegations

One of the primary Hanford site contractors has paid millions of dollars to the departments of Justice and Energy as part of a settlement resolving allegations of fraudulently overcharging DOE for labor costs. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Eastern Washington announced the settlement with Hanford Mission Integration Solutions on March 2.  

Under the settlement agreement, HMIS leaders admitted that between Aug. 17, 2020, and Sept. 30, 2025, they sought and received reimbursement from DOE for labor made up of unallowable excessive idle time. The contractor also admitted that it did not schedule or assign sufficient work for its personnel. Of the $3.45 million paid, $1.7 million was restitution. 

“Corporate fraud perpetrated upon the taxpayer at Hanford distracts from DOE’s vital cleanup mission,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Pete Serrano in a release. “This resolution shows our continuing commitment to fighting fraud at Hanford and to ensuring that those tasked with the responsibility of essential environmental cleanup do not abuse our trust in them. I am grateful that HMIS ultimately did the right thing by admitting its conduct and paying back twice what it took from the taxpayers.” 

The allegations were first made by HMIS employee Bradley Keever in December 2021 who filed a sealed complaint in U.S. District Court under the False Claims Act. He made additional allegations in 2024.  

Federal officials were obligated to investigate the claims and determine whether federal prosecutors would intervene or the whistleblower could continue their lawsuit alone. Keever will receive $793,500 as part of the settlement agreement and may also require HMIS to cover his attorney’s costs.

Leadership Tri-Cities seeks applications for Class 30

The leadership development program that has educated and nurtured hundreds of the region’s leaders for more than 30 years is seeking its next crop of students. 

Applications to join Class 30 of Leadership Tri-Cities open online March 1. Between 25-30 individuals will be selected and announced on June 11, the day after the current Class 29 graduates. 

Founded in 1994, Leadership Tri-Cities provides an 11-month immersive educational experience aimed at helping participants examine the complex issues facing the Mid-Columbia and develop skilled leaders who are catalysts for positive change.  

Monthly full-day sessions cover topics ranging from local and state government to agriculture and education, with discussions with community experts, workshops, team building and firsthand experiences. Each class also works collaboratively on a community service project for a local nonprofit or civic organization.  

Go to: leadershiptricities.com to learn more about class requirements, the application process of the year long leadership program. Applications close April 30.

Children’s museum group launches mobile trailer

While the Mid-Columbia Children’s Museum continues working with the cities and Tri-City Development Council to determine the best location for a future museum, the group has launched a mobile trailer. 

The MCCMobile STEAM trailer was donated by Battelle, which operates Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland. 

Courtesy Spotted Fox Digital Marketing

The mobile trailer will bring science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics to neighborhoods and community spaces throughout the region. 

“This donation accelerates our ability to serve families now, while we continue working toward our long-term mission of building a permanent STEAM children’s museum in the Tri-Cities community,” said board president Chelsea Blair in a statement. 

MCCMobile will offer quarterly events with interactive exhibits and activities. 

WSU Tri-Cities to add graduate level degree

Just weeks after the Washington State University Board of Regents approved discontinuing two degrees at WSU’s Richland campus, it is adding another.

Regents considered a proposal to establish a Master of Science in Viticulture and Enology at WSU Tri-Cities during their regular meeting March 5-6. It will be the first graduate-level degree in viticulture and enology available in the state, according to university documents.

“With the wine industry generating $9.5 billion annually, there is a clear demand for professionals trained in advanced viticultural and enological practices,” according to a memo to the board. “Existing undergraduate programs are insufficient to meet this growing need for specialized, research-based knowledge.”

WSU Tri-Cities anticipates the program will serve the full-time equivalent of 14 to 16 students per year once it is fully established. It will be available beginning in the fall of 2026.

West Richland survey includes questions on controversial topic

The city of West Richland is hoping some questions on a touchy subject will draw residents into completing its latest annual survey. 

This year’s survey, which is estimated to take 7 to 10 minutes to complete, includes questions on the city’s fireworks regulations and West Richland officials “want to hear from you – your feedback helps guide City Council decisions.” 

Anyone can take the survey through March 31. Go to: bit.ly/west-richland-survey.

New Girl Scout cookie debuts with higher prices this year

Girl Scout cookie lovers have a new cookie to look forward to this year when Girl Scout booths pop up in late March.

Exploremores, rocky road ice cream-inspired chocolate sandwich cookies, hit the streets for the first time this year, replacing the Girl Scout S’mores cookie that was retired last year. 

Brian Newberry, CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho, said the cookies have been popular and encouraged consumers to “give it a shot.” 

Pre-sales for Girl Scout cookies have already begun. That means that those who know a Girl Scout can get an order form or digital link from her and get their cookies a little sooner. Regular booth sales begin March 27 and go through April 19. 

This year, cookie prices increased for the first time since 2016. The price, which had previously been $5 a box, is now $6 a box for all cookies. All the money from the cookie sales stays local within the council, providing incentives and programming for the girls.

“Cookie sales make the world a better place for the girls,” Newberry said. 

Although sales were down a little bit last year, donations through the Girl Scouts’ Troop-to-Troop program stayed strong, with almost 42,000 boxes donated to first responders and U.S. service members. Newberry said that number ties their previous record for number of boxes donated. 

Those who don’t like Girl Scout cookies can always donate boxes of cookies to support the council.

Taco Crawl returns for its 10th year

Rejoice, taco lovers: the Pasco Taco Crawl is nearly here. 

The annual culinary event, which runs from April 17 to May 2, will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year. And now’s your opportunity to buy a voucher booklet to sample tacos from 20 restaurants and food trucks across the city. 

Booklets are available to order online for $40 through April 9, with the price increasing to $45 after that. They will be available for pickup from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 17 at Peanuts Park with any remaining to be picked up at C D Little Wine Shop, 106 N. Fourth Ave. in Pasco.  

Booklets can sell out so those eager to walk the taco trail are encouraged to get their order in. All proceeds will go toward Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties. 

Those sampling tacos will have through 3 p.m. May 4 to vote for Best Taco in Pasco with the winner announced via social media on May 5.  

Go to: secure.qgiv.com/for/ptc2/event/pascotacocrawl2026.

Richland farmworker advocacy organization gets funding for workplace safety

A Richland-based nonprofit focused on promoting and protecting the contributions of farmworkers is among nine organizations across the state to share in $1.1 million in workplace safety grants.

Semillero de Ideas along with its fellow grantees will use the funds to support workers affected by extreme heat and cold, wildfire smoke, drought, flooding and other climate impacts, according to a release. The state’s Climate Commitment Act funds, which are generated by carbon credits bought by industry to cover their emissions, are the source of the grants.

“We continue to build trust, mutual respect and lasting relationships when we prioritize the people, voices, and experiences from communities,” said Lauren Jenks, environmental public health assistant secretary for the state Department of Health. “And we do this while addressing immediate environmental and health impacts.”

Semillero de Ideas was founded by farmworker Josefina Luciano and Erik Nicholson. The organization works to help farmworkers share their innovations and solutions facing agricultural operations.

WSU Tri-Cities launches more AI workshops

Washington State University Tri-Cities Cougar Tracks has announced two dates for AI workshops that were popular in 2025. 

“Generative AI Essentials: Workplace Applications and Ethical Use” is a three-hour interactive workshop which aims to demonstrate both the strengths and shortcomings of generative AI while helping participants use AI tools safely and effectively. 

The workshop will be led by Neelam Chahlia, senior technical manager at T-Mobile. Participants will engage in “lab-style” practice to learn prompting techniques, explore productivity use cases, and identify risks and guardrails related to cybersecurity, data privacy and ethical decision making. 

Workshops will be held 8:30-11:30 a.m. March 19 and May 18 in Room 145 of the Elson S. Floyd Building at WSU Tri-Cities, 2710 Crimson Way, Richland. The workshop costs $149. 

Go to: tricities.wsu.edu/continuing-education.

Eastern Oregon startup joins AI accelerator program

A Boardman, Oregon-based startup company focused on blockchain is one of 20 to join an artificial intelligence accelerator program.

HindSight VIP, launched in late 2024, aims to help improve cryptocurrency transactions with more user-friendly visuals. The company was accepted in February to Oregon AI Accelerator, a program funded by Google and supported by the Metro Regional Innovation Hub, Portland State University, Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon State University, the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, the Technology Association of Oregon and TiE Oregon.

The program runs through May and participants will receive mentorship and compete for up to $50,000 in equity-free grant prizes.

Nonprofit works to address pet overpopulation

Pet Overpopulation Prevention, or POPP, recently released data for its spay and neuter surgeries in 2025. The Tri-Cities-based nonprofit works to address pet homelessness and overpopulation through cat and dog adoptions and a low-income spay and neuter clinic.

Last year, the POPP Spay and Neuter Clinic in Pasco spayed and neutered 3,289 cats and dogs. 

The clinic serves qualifying low-income households and offers a discounted program for shelters, rescues and trap-and-release groups. Fees for neutering and spaying dogs start at $165 and change based on a dog’s ender and size, while spaying a cat costs $150 and neutering is $135. 

Looking ahead to 2026, POPP has a goal to continue growing and serve more eligible families and their pets in the Tri-Cities. 

“This is a community problem, not just a pet problem. There are limited resources for caring for the many cats and dogs born each year who need homes. The strain on our local shelter and rescues is significant and growing as our community grows,” said Carol MacInnis, POPP cat foster and adoptions coordinator, in a statement. 

“We continue to grow our number of procedures performed each month and expand our impact in the community,” she said.  

The nonprofit has operated in the community for more than 30 years. Its Spay and Neuter Clinic is at 1506 N. Road 40, Pasco. Go to: popptricities.org.

Walla Walla beverage factory shuts down, puts 58 out of work

A global beverage company’s Walla Walla bottling and manufacturing plant is shutting down, putting 58 people out of work. 

Refresco Beverages US Inc., a subsidiary of Netherlands-based Refresco, plans to halt manufacturing at the plant at 1164 Dell Ave. by May 2, according to the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification provided to the state Employment Security Department. Also closing are the facility’s associated warehouses at 1102, 1104 and 1106 Dell Ave. 

Additional closure and decommissioning will be completed by June 26. A reason for the closure was not provided. 

“We have indeed made the difficult decision to close our Walla Walla facility. I’d like to emphasize that this decision comes after careful consideration and an extensive review of various factors regarding our manufacturing operations and our network,” a Refesco spokesperson said in a statement to the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business.

“We deeply value the contributions of our employees and are committed to supporting them during this transition. Refresco will be providing comprehensive support and resources to the Walla Walla employees,” the spokesperson added.

Refresco operates 75 facilities across three continents to manufacture, bottle and ship beverages ranging from fruit juices to soft drinks, with annual revenue of $6.9 billion.  

The company acquired the Walla Walla facility, formerly a Welch’s juice factory, years ago and also previously purchased a Kennewick beverage facility in 2018, which it shut down to consolidate its operations in Walla Walla.

Pasco named FanZone for upcoming World Cup

Not able to attend any of the World Cup matches that will be played in Seattle this summer? Pasco could still give you the arena feel as you root for your team of choice and all for free.

The Seattle FIFA World Cup 26 Local Organizing Committee (SeattleFWC26) recently announced the official locations for “fan zones” across Washington state. Pasco is one of three such sites located east of the Cascades.

“Pasco is proud to serve as an official SeattleFWC26 Fan Zone community and to be part of this historic global celebration. Soccer is deeply woven into the fabric of our community, making this an incredible fit for our city. We look forward to welcoming residents and visitors alike to experience the excitement of the FIFA World Cup together right here in Pasco,” said Pasco Mayor Charles Grimm in a statement.

Aimed at broadening access to the signature international soccer event, the fan zones will provide a festival-style atmosphere with live entertainment, family-friendly activities and local vendors, alongside large-screen match viewing in a lively outdoor setting, according to a release from the city of Pasco.

Three of the four games that will be available in Pasco will be at Gesa Stadium, 6200 Burden Blvd., with the other at the adjacent Pasco Sporting Complex, 6520 Homerun Road.

Game 1: noon June 15 at Gesa Stadium.

Game 2: noon June 19 at Pasco Sporting Complex.

Game 3: 1 p.m. July 1 at Gesa Stadium.

Game 4: 5 p.m. July 6 at Gesa Stadium.

Ironman athletes select Tri-Cities event as world’s best run course

With just two Ironman 70.3 events under its belt, the Tri-Cities is running away with the praise of the triathlon competition’s participants. 

The Tri-Cities race was named best run course in the world in the recent Ironman Athletes’ Choice Awards, according to a release. The event also came in at No. 3 in overall satisfaction and No. 3 for best swim course. There are more than 114 Ironman events globally each year. 

“Recognition like this positions the Tri-Cities on a global stage,” said Kevin Lewis, president and CEO of Visit Tri-Cities, in a statement. “Athletes are telling the world that this race delivers and that has lasting impact for our community.” 

The awards are determined by survey feedback from 30,000 event participants. Athletes praised the scenic views and supportive community that rallies around the Tri-Cities run course, which follows the paved riverfront trails along the Columbia River before ending at Columbia Point Park in Richland. The swim course, which takes place in the Columbia, was celebrated for its smooth flow and athlete-friendly conditions. 

Other top winners in the choice awards were outside the United States and largely outside North America. 

The Ironman 70.3 Washington Tri-Cities event first took place in the fall of 2024. Organizers have said the event has attracted 10,000 attendees and injected a reported $7 million into the region’s economy each year for the past two years.  

The 2026 event is scheduled to be held on Sept. 20.

New Tri-Cities visitor guide now available

Visit Tri-Cities has released this year’s visitor guide, a comprehensive resource showcasing attractions, dining, lodging, outdoor recreation, wine country, arts and culture, and signature events throughout Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland.

Printed copies are available free of charge at the Visit Tri-Cities Visitor Center. Local businesses and community partners are encouraged to pick up complimentary copies to share with customers and guests.

The digital version of the 2026 Visitor Guide is also available online at visittri-cities.com/about-the-area/visitor-guide.

Mid-Columbia lawmakers push to bring nuclear innovation campus to region

Two state lawmakers serving communities in and near the Tri-Cities are hoping the state will take advantage of the U.S. Department of Energy’s efforts to establish sites around the country that support all aspects of the nuclear industry, from fuel production to waste storage. 

State Reps. Stephanie Barnard, R-Pasco, and Mark Klicker, R-Walla Walla, recently introduced House Joint Memorial 4016, which formally requests Gov. Bob Ferguson direct state agencies to prepare a competitive response to DOE’s call for Nuclear Lifecycle Campuses.  

The legislation asks the state to outline a clear plan that leverages the unique strengths of the Tri-Cities and surrounding areas, including workforce readiness and existing supply chains. 

“This is a race, and Washington needs to get in the running,” Barnard said in a statement. “We have the most talented nuclear workforce in the country right in our backyard. But talent follows opportunity. If we don’t signal that we are open for business and ready to host these advanced facilities, that investment and those jobs will go to states that are hungrier for them.” 

HJM 4016 has been referred to the House Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee. 

DOE is already looking to Hanford site facilities as potential resources for growing the nuclear power industry. It recently announced a partnership with nuclear company General Matter to lease the Fuels and Materials Examination Facility, or FMEF, a currently unused facility not far from Energy Northwest’s Columbia Generating Station.

West Richland council appoints new member

The West Richland City Council has selected an engineer and project manager with deep ties to the region’s nuclear power industry to fill the seat vacated by Fred Brink after he was elected the city’s mayor. 

Dan Richey

Dan Richey, who has worked for Energy Northwest and Framatome and its predecessor companies since 1987, was appointed to council Position 6 through 2027. He will have to stand for election in the 2027 general election to retain the seat. 

“In the almost 40 years that my wife and I have lived here, we have seen West Richland go through many changes and transitions,” Richey wrote in his application letter to the council. “I have helped to guide our community and my family through the good times and the challenging times. I hope to continue to be a conservative voice in our community by serving on the West Richland City Council.” 

Richey, who is a U.S. Navy veteran and has been part of West Richland community groups, was selected following a Feb. 25 special board meeting to interview four candidates.  

The other candidates included former council member Nancy Aldrich, construction and project manager Luis Ojeda, and Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business advertising representative Chad Utecht. Aldrich and Utecht currently sit on the city’s planning commission while Ojeda previously was a city planning commissioner.