Coming Home to Roost at George's Inc.

Seven supervisory management employees of Springdale poultry processor George's Inc. were indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts each related to intentionally hiring and harboring illegal immigrants. Those charges are felonies, and each carries a maximum 10 years in federal prison. This follows on the arrest of 136 poultry workers at the same George’s plant in May.

John F. Wood, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, said the indictments and arrests show that no one is above the law when it comes to hiring illegal workers. He declined to say if that investigation includes whether people higher up in the privately owned company are suspected of knowing about the illegal hiring or if the company might face charges, but he did say, "This is an active and ongoing investigation."

In 2002, Gene George was recognized as a successful business leader and inducted into the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame, which "honors, preserves and perpetuates the names and outstanding accomplishments of business leaders who have brought lasting fame to Arkansas.” The Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas sponsors the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame, and Gary George is a member of the UA Board of Trustees.