Corso's hires PR firm

PERKINS TWP. — Corso's Home and Garden Center hired a public relations firm in the wake of last week's raids that led to the arrest of more than 100 of its employees.Corso's chose Dix & Eaton to provide communications support during the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) investigation, account executive Angela Martin said.The Cleveland-based company was founded by John Dix and Henry Eaton in 1952 and describes itself as an integrated communications and public relations firm.The firm has specialized expertise in media relations and crisis communications. Some of its clients include Energizer batteries, Southwest Airlines, Hugo Boss, Sherwin-Williams and American Greetings Card Co.Last Tuesday, agents with Homeland Security ICE and the federal Border Patrol raided Corso's locations in Sandusky and Castalia arresting 114 workers who are accused of being undocumented aliens. One of those arrested was later released, according to U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, after that person's status as a U.S. citizen was established. But Brown and federal authorities refused to identify that person. Some of the other workers arrested on Tuesday could be charged with identity theft and tax evasion, but the names of the people arrested and specific charges they face have not been made public. No charges have been filed against Corso's, but a Homeland Security spokesman said last week the company is still under investigation.Last week Corso's released a statement saying they're cooperating with authorities during the investigation and were unaware some of its employees may have been undocumented.Reach reporter Michael Harrington at michaelharrington@sanduskyregister.com, follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegisterInvestigators conduct a search warrant at Corso's Flower and Garden Center on U.S. 250 in Perkins Township on Tuesday, June 5, 2018.