Case began with investigation led by Commerce Fraud Bureau 

For immediate release

SAINT PAUL (11/19/2019) — On Monday, November 18, Ricardo Batres pleaded guilty in Hennepin County to charges of labor trafficking and insurance fraud for denying his employees workers' compensation and health benefits. Below is a statement from Minnesota Department of Commerce Commissioner Steve Kelley:

“The actions of Ricardo Batres are egregious. The Minnesota Commerce Fraud Bureau investigated his actions of insurance fraud, which uncovered a much broader pattern of exploitation against the workers he employed. I am proud of the Commerce Fraud Bureau’s hard work and partnership with the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office to bring justice in this case, and I hope this serves as a warning to employers across Minnesota. Mistreating and abusing workers for profit will not be tolerated in this state. The Commerce Fraud Bureau works diligently to ensure all Minnesotans are protected from these horrifying schemes.”

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Media Contact
Emmalynn Bauer
Director of Communications
Minnesota Department of Commerce
office: 651-539-1463 | cell: 651-358-5155
emma.bauer@state.mn.us