(AP) -- The federal government has announced $78,000 in fines in an investigation of child labor and migrant work camps at Michigan blueberry farms. The Labor Department says it found dilapidated housing, insect infestations and a lack of hot water in some camps in Allegan, Van Buren and Ottawa counties, south and west of Grand Rapids. The government announced financial penalties Monday against 17 growers and nine labor contractors.
In addition, growers were ordered to pay $28,000 for wage violations.
Cornerstone Ag Enterprises of South Haven received the highest penalty, $29,000, for alleged violations in housing and child labor. Co-owner Kay Trevino says the case is being appealed, declining further comment.
Labor Department spokesman Scott Allen says some growers have agreed to pay penalties.
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