NC firm says defense witnesses in SC raid deported

CHARLOTTE -- A North Carolina company charged with employing illegal immigrants at a South Carolina plant is arguing that the government deported workers needed by defense attorneys. The Charlotte Observer reported Tuesday that Columbia Farms argued in court motions that the government didn't give the company's lawyers a chance to interview workers arrested in last October's raid. More than 330 people were arrested in the massive raid on the Greenville, S.C., processing plant. Prosecutors say most of the workers have been deported. Several dozen others pleaded guilty and are serving prison time for using illegal documents and false Social Security numbers or for re-entering the country illegally. Two company officials face charges of knowingly hiring illegal immigrants and lying on employment forms. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)