Yesterday, the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office made a significant announcement through DA Larry Krasner about the arrests and charges of three individuals involved in a scheme that combined labor exploitation with fraudulent business practices. As reported by the District Attorney’s Office, the accused are siblings Michael M. Tapia and Juan Carlos Tapia, alongside Juliana Santos-Tapia, owners of Pro Tri-State Movers, LLC, and EJ Relocations, LLC.
The investigation, which also involved the Bensalem Police Department, began to unfold an intricate web of crimes. Officials charged Juan Carlos and Michael Tapia with a series of felonies including Involuntary Servitude and Conspiracy, to name just a few. They are also accused of threatening their workers with deportation and violence to silence any complaints about unpaid wages. Julianna Santos-Tapia faces similar charges, except for Involuntary Servitude. "Assistant District Attorney Maria DiGeorge, of my office’s Labor Crimes Enforcement Unit, intends to vigorously prosecute these defendants and any others who think they can get away with abusing workers in Philadelphia," said DA Krasner, as per a statement obtained by the Philly DA's news release.
Citing the specific abuses faced by the victims, NBC Philadelphia detailed how workers were forced to endure 80-hour workweeks without proper compensation, with the added burden of threats of violence. Krasner described the operation as "a moving scam" that preyed upon workers and customers alike, where deceit and threat replaced decency and law.
Furthermore, the defendants reportedly deceived their clients by installing false walls in moving trucks to overcharge for the goods transported, and fabricated excessive charges to return the belongings of clients. One client is still allegedly waiting to receive over $50,000 from a civil judgment, as noted by an interview with FOX 29.
