Josh Kolsrud Discusses Federal Charges Against Colt Grill Owners With 12 News

The arrest of Robert and Brenda Clouston, owners of the well-known Colt Grill Barbecue chain, has sent shockwaves through northern Arizona. The popular restaurateurs are facing serious federal charges after an extensive three-year investigation, accused of running a scheme that allegedly involved hiring undocumented migrant workers for financial gain.

Defense Attorney Josh Kolsrud recently spoke on 12 News Phoenix, offering his professional insights into this complex and highly publicized case. As a former federal prosecutor, Josh's in-depth knowledge of these types of prosecutions provides valuable perspective on the legal stakes and potential outcomes for the Cloustons.

A Breakdown of the Charges

The federal case alleges the Cloustons intentionally hired undocumented workers across their five restaurant locations (four in Arizona and one in Alabama), paid less than minimum wage, and systematically dodged required overtime payments. According to the indictment, the Cloustons also circumvented the E-Verify system—required for checking employment eligibility—by recruiting workers from Mexico, setting up a fake cleaning company, and paying some employees in cash at below-market rates.

Josh Kolsrud was direct in his assessment:

"I have no doubt that Colt Enterprises were caught with their pants down, so to speak."

 

He explained for viewers that these kinds of alleged schemes present multiple financial incentives for businesses:

"The business won't have to pay the appropriate taxes on those wages. So they're saving money in two different fronts. One with payroll and the second with taxes with the US and state governments. There's a lot of financial incentives to try to cheat the government in this aspect."

Federal Tactics and Potential Consequences

Josh further notes that federal prosecutors often pursue not just the hiring of undocumented workers, but also the financial crimes accompanying these actions—such as tax evasion, wage theft, and fraud. The deliberate creation of a sham business, as alleged with "RNR a cleaning LLC," is a method prosecutors are likely to present as evidence of intent to conceal illegal conduct.

In this sweep, Homeland Security Investigations arrested both the owners and two accused accomplices. Additionally, around 20 alleged undocumented workers were detained on immigration violations. Kolsrud shared his insight on this law enforcement tactic:

"I expect those workers could be used to testify against the owners if the Cloustons choose to take their case to trial."

The Road Ahead for the Defendants

Reflecting on the suddenness of this legal crisis for the business owners, Kolsrud observed:

"I sincerely believe that they were very surprised, and, you know, they're in hot water right now."

 

The Cloustons now face serious legal jeopardy. Josh’s comments illuminate that financial and employment-related charges can quickly multiply—what may start as immigration violations often leads to broader allegations of fraud, conspiracy, and tax evasion, carrying severe penalties, including substantial prison time.

Josh Kolsrud's Perspective for Employers

For business owners, this case is a stark reminder of the risks and consequences of circumventing federal employment and tax laws. As Josh Kolsrud emphasizes, both the legal and ethical dimensions of employment decisions are under ever-greater scrutiny:

“Federal authorities are using creative and aggressive strategies to identify, charge, and prosecute not just workers, but business owners themselves. Any employer must ensure their hiring and payroll practices comply fully with the law.”

 

If you or your business are facing federal investigation or indictment, early legal counsel is critical. Having a knowledgeable defense attorney—especially one with experience from the prosecution’s side—can make all the difference.

Need Legal Help?

Josh Kolsrud and the team at Kolsrud Law Offices have extensive experience in defending clients against complex federal criminal charges, including immigration, tax, and employment-related cases. For confidential guidance and a strategic defense, contact us today.