A Massachusetts pizzeria owner, Stavros Papantoniadis, has been sentenced to more than eight years in prison for forcing employees to work for him through physical violence and threats of deportation. Papantoniadis, the owner of Stash’s Pizza, was found guilty of three counts of forced labor and three counts of attempted forced labor. Prosecutors alleged that he abused six victims, five men, and one woman, by subjecting them to excessive workplace demands and threatening them with violence and deportation. Papantoniadis has been in custody since his arrest in March 2023.
Papantoniadis’s lawyer, Carmine Lepore, has stated that they are pursuing a new trial and an appeal, expressing disappointment in the length of the sentence. Lepore believes that the sentencing guidelines applied in this case are more suitable for human traffickers and offenders involved in sexual servitude. The Acting United States Attorney, Joshua Levy, stated that Papantoniadis was motivated by greed to exploit his workers through fear and intimidation. Levy condemned Papantoniadis’s actions, highlighting how he hired undocumented foreign nationals and then used their lack of immigration status as a means of control.
Investigations revealed that Papantoniadis deliberately understaffed his pizza shops and hired workers without immigration status to work long hours, often up to 14 hours per day and seven days per week. He subjected these workers to surveillance and threats of physical harm or deportation to prevent them from leaving their positions. In one instance, Papantoniadis choked a victim who tried to quit, causing them to flee the restaurant, demonstrating his willingness to use violence to retain control over his workers. Another victim was pursued by Papantoniadis on a public road and falsely reported to the police when they attempted to leave, showcasing his ruthless tactics to keep his employees in line.
The sentencing of Papantoniadis sends a strong message about the consequences of exploiting vulnerable workers through forced labor. The case highlights the importance of protecting the rights of all employees, regardless of their immigration status, and holding employers accountable for abusive and illegal practices in the workplace. The prosecution of Papantoniadis serves as a warning to others who may consider engaging in similar behavior, emphasizing that labor trafficking and exploitation will not be tolerated in the United States. It is crucial for authorities to continue to investigate and prosecute such cases to ensure justice for the victims and prevent future instances of forced labor.
