Bean Town Times

The owner of a Massachusetts pizzeria chain has been sentenced to over eight years in prison for forced labor. Stavros Papantoniadis, also known as "Steve Papantoniadis," was sentenced on October 25, 2024, by Chief U.S. District Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 102 months in prison and one year of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $35,000 fine.

Papantoniadis, aged 49 and from Westwood, Massachusetts, was convicted in June 2024 on three counts of forced labor and three counts of attempted forced labor. Since his arrest on March 16, 2023, he has remained in custody.

"Labor trafficking exploits the vulnerable through fear and intimidation," said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. "He deliberately hired foreign nationals who lacked authorization to work in the United States and then turned their lack of immigration status against them."

Special Agent Michael J. Krol from Homeland Security Investigations emphasized that employees deserve safety at work: "Today’s significant sentence sends a message to employers — employees deserve to work in safety."

Jonathan Mellone from the U.S. Department of Labor stated that the sentencing affirms their commitment to investigating labor trafficking: "Today’s sentencing affirms the Office of Inspector General’s commitment."

Papantoniadis used threats and violence against his workers, forcing five men and one woman into long hours under harsh conditions at his pizza shops. The victims were subjected to constant surveillance and harassment.

Stash’s Pizza operates locations in Dorchester and Roslindale, with previous locations in other Massachusetts towns under different names.

Authorities urge those who believe they are victims of labor trafficking or have information about such activities to contact them via phone or email.

The case announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Levy along with HSI SAC Krol and DOL-OIG SAC Mellone. The prosecution team included Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy E. Moran and Brian A. Fogerty.