PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- A former owner of Thai restaurants who fraudulently obtained visas to bring cooks from Thailand and then compelled them to work long hours with minimal pay has been sentenced to more than three years in federal prison.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports Paul Jumroon pleaded guilty in February to forced labor, conspiracy to commit visa fraud and making and subscribing a false federal income tax return in 2013.

Jumroon owned Curry in a Hurry in Lake Oswego and Teriyaki Thai in Ridgefield, Washington.

Paul Jumroon pleaded guilty in February to forced labor, conspiracy to commit visa fraud and making and subscribing a false federal income tax return in 2013.

U.S District Judge Anna J. Brown said she didn't believe his actions were premeditated but the result of Jumroon's "ignorance of the United States laws" and his drive to succeed economically.

He apologized in court Tuesday.