PORTLAND — A federal magistrate judge set bail at $100,000 in property or $10,000 in cash this afternoon for Hector Fuentes, a restaurant owner accused of employing illegal immigrants.

Fuentes, the owner of Cancun Mexican Restaurants in Biddeford and Waterville, was arrested and charged with conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens and employment of illegal aliens yesterday. His brother, Guillermo Fuentes, the owner of Fajita Grill in Westbrook, was arrested on the same charges.

Magistrate Judge John Rich III said Hector Fuentes, a Mexican citizen, will have to surrender his passport. Fuentes will not be allowed to travel outside of Maine without prior approval from his probation officer and is barred from contact with his brother, except about business matters and then only through their lawyers.

Thomas Nale, Hector Fuentes’ lawyer, said bail would be posted later today.

Guillermo Fuentes made his initial appearance this morning but has not had a bail hearing.


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