Location: Monroe/West Monroe, LA
Important disclaimers: The minors referenced in this story have been removed from the situation and are currently safe. The allegations outlined below are serious and should be treated with appropriate gravity. This is a multi-layered and developing story. Some details may not immediately appear to fit together. Information is being released intentionally and in a specific order — not for engagement, but to protect the integrity of those involved and to avoid compromising any ongoing processes. Safety remains my highest priority.
All events described below are alleged. I have spoken with multiple individuals who independently shared similar experiences. I have reviewed documentation and testimony provided to me and have attempted to present the information responsibly. Some claims have been intentionally excluded because I do not believe they are sufficiently supported to publish at this time.
This article references Labinot Gashi, the reported current owner, and his possible connection to the previous restaurant owners with the same name.
Milano’s Italian Grill, a locally owned restaurant, has been accused of violating child labor laws. To protect identities, names in this story have been shortened to initials, as the individuals involved were minors at the time.
According to allegations shared with me, M began working at the restaurant at approximately 15 years old. He reportedly worked six to seven days a week with no days off, often logging between 72 and 84 hours weekly, for a flat rate of $500 per week. Based on those hours, his effective hourly wage would fall between approximately $5.95 and $6.94 — below Louisiana’s minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, which has been in effect since 2009.
A similar allegation was made regarding L, a 16-year-old dishwasher who reportedly worked under comparable conditions beginning around June 18, 2025. She was allegedly paid the same flat weekly rate, worked extended hours without breaks, and earned an effective hourly wage below minimum wage.
Both individuals were allegedly paid in cash, “under the table,” meaning wages may not have been properly reported and payroll taxes may not have been withheld.
If accurate, these allegations raise serious concerns involving child labor violations, wage theft, overtime violations, and potential tax avoidance — particularly troubling when minors and vulnerable workers are involved.
The allegations do not stop there. I was told this conduct was not isolated, but recurring. According to multiple sources, the owners were allegedly involved in facilitating visas for minors to come to the United States to work for the business under their control and outside formal payroll systems. I have included screenshots showing the owner’s social media activity, including pages followed that assist with locating work visas.
Additionally, multiple sources allege that certain employees were provided housing tied directly to the business owner. According to the alleged victims, they were placed in an apartment leased in the owner’s name. I was able to verify, through identification documents and witness confirmation from the alleged victims, that they did reside at this address. Screenshots shared alongside this post show that the apartment lease is in the name of the restaurant owner. These materials are presented for context and transparency and should be understood as part of an ongoing review — not as proof of guilt.
Before publishing, I contacted the restaurant and offered an opportunity to provide a statement or clarification. In my opinion, the response appeared to present as unaware of the situation. Based on my own investigation and communications, I believe they are aware of the allegations. I was surprised that no direct denial was offered. Instead, the response relied on carefully chosen language that, in my opinion, suggested unfamiliarity while simultaneously referencing potential legal action against the accuser. I found it notable that the initial response appeared to involve attorneys rather than an expressed willingness to hear or address the allegations. This is my personal interpretation of the communication I received.
To be clear: the children involved are currently safe. They have either been reunited with their families or placed within the foster care system. Their identities are being protected, and no identifying details will be shared.
Since this story began, multiple anonymous sources have reached out independently to corroborate aspects of these allegations. These individuals claim to have either been directly involved or to have witnessed concerning behavior. Some of these statements include allegations involving drug abuse and other criminal activity. At this time, those claims remain unverified and are being treated strictly as allegations.
I am aware that appropriate authorities have been involved in investigating this matter, and I plan to reach out this week to request official statements. While I have trust in our judicial system, I am seeking clarity on how children could be removed by authorities and placed into foster care while the associated business remains operational. I am confident there is an explanation, and I believe it is important to hear directly from the appropriate parties before drawing conclusions.
There are many details I have intentionally chosen not to publish at this time — for the safety of those involved, to preserve the integrity of any ongoing investigations, and out of respect for the accused. I do not currently have sufficient hard evidence to responsibly publish every claim that has been shared with me. That said, based on my independent investigation, it is my personal belief that this story goes much deeper than what is presently known.
Awareness matters. Accountability begins with attention.
Update: Restaurant Owners Deny Trafficking Allegations
In an exclusive interview, the owners of a local Italian restaurant have spoken publicly for the first time, denying trafficking allegations they say have harmed their business and personal lives.
They state they chose to come forward after building trust during conversations we held in my independent journalistic inquiry and confirm they are now seeking legal counsel for their own protection.
The owners deny any involvement in trafficking or related criminal activity and reject claims connecting them to other accused individuals, saying similar last names are coincidental. While acknowledging past issues in the broader Italian restaurant community, they deny any involvement in wrongdoing.
During my time in their restaurant, kitchen and waitstaff wanted to speak on behalf of their employers and revealed positive accounts of the owners, with no employees reporting trafficking or exploitation.
The owners acknowledged an oversight during the purchase of the business, stating they relied on the previous owner’s representations rather than conducting full due diligence. They also confirmed providing housing and transportation to some employees as part of compensation arrangements.
One owner said the accuser was once considered “almost family” and believes the allegations were fabricated using coincidental circumstances. These claims remain disputed and unverified.
No criminal findings related to trafficking have been confirmed. The owners say they are exploring legal options to protect themselves and shared documentation they believe supports their account, though it has not been authorized for publication at this time.
This story is ongoing.
