Owner of Giant Panda sentenced for harboring illegal aliens

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — The owner of Giant Panda has pleaded guilty to harboring illegal aliens.

66-year-old Ming Sun Cheung of West Fargo was sentenced in federal court to two years’ probation as part of her plea agreement.

Judge Daniel L. Hovland reduced the agreed upon fine of $15,000 down to $5,000.

She had faced up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Back in June, a sign in the restaurant’s window says it was closed due to a staff shortage.

The restaurant later reopened.

Cheung was accused of providing wages and housing five illegal aliens and helping them avoid detection by authorities.