JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — A Jacksonville Beach restaurant owner has pleaded guilty to hiring illegal immigrants and housing them, the Department of Justice announced on Friday.

Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney said in a press release that 37-year-old Ping Ping Zheng pleaded guilty to hiring and housing the “undocumented aliens” for commercial advantage and private financial gain.

Zheng owned and operated Kamiya 86 Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar, located at 1286 3rd St. South in Jacksonville Beach, according to the release.

“Zheng faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison,” the release states. “As part of the plea agreement, Zheng has agreed to forfeit to the United States a residence in Jacksonville and a transit van. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.”

Sweeney said Zheng employed workers who were “unlawfully present” in the United States and were “not legally authorized” to work in the country; Zheng did not require the workers to provide documents to establish that they could legally work, Sweeney said.

The release further states that Zheng also provided rent-free housing to the undocumented aliens, provided them with free transportation between the house and the restaurant, and with free food on the days when they were working.

“Zheng paid the workers in cash and did not withhold taxes and other payments from the workers’ wages,” the release states.

Sweeney said this case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Border Patrol and the Jacksonville Beach Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier.