Defending Our Family, Faith, and Business: A Call for Help

Dear family, friends, and community;

This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do—reach out and ask for help.

My name is Diego Freitas, and alongside my wife Ludmilla, we’ve worked tirelessly to build a life for our family and grow our business, DILU, LLC. We are parents to five amazing children, and through God’s grace, we’ve faced life’s challenges with faith, hard work, and determination.

Right now, we are facing a financial struggle unlike anything we’ve experienced before. On Christmas Eve the Massachusetts Attorney General has issued several citations against our business, claiming violations such as misclassifying independent contractors and failing to provide payroll records and sick leave policies. These accusations, not only false, have threatened the reputation we’ve worked so hard to build but have also left us burdened with potential fines, legal fees, and court costs.

We’ve always believed in taking care of our family, providing for our children, and living with integrity. But this time, I simply cannot do it alone. This is why I’m humbly turning to you—our Brazilian, American, and Christian communities, our extended family, friends, and anyone who has touched our lives—to ask for your support.

The funds raised will go toward:

I cannot stress enough how much this help means to us right now. We are financially stretched to the limit, and I’m relying on the kindness and generosity of the community we hold so dear to help us through.

Proverbs 22:1 says:

"A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold."

We’ve built our life and business with integrity, and I am committed to protecting our good name.

Galatians 6:2 reminds us:

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ."

This is a moment when we are leaning on you, our community, for strength and support.

This is not easy for me—I’ve always been someone who wanted to take care of everything on my own, prideful to be willing and able to help others. But today, I am humbly asking for your help. I believe that with your prayers, generosity, and encouragement, we can make it through this storm.

Details of the Charges and My Defense:

I want to be completely transparent about the situation we are facing. Below are the charges and my defense:

1. Misclassification of Employees ($7,500):

The AG claims we misclassified independent contractors as employees. However, I have extensive proof showing that the contractors meet the legal criteria under Massachusetts law. I carefully followed the Independent Contractor Three-Prong Test to ensure compliance.

MA Independent Contractor Test

MA Employment Laws

2. Failure to Have a Sick Time/Sick Leave Policy ($2,500):

I do not have a sick time or sick leave policy because none of the contractors are W-2 employees. Contractors are NOT required to have these policies nor does the law permit any company to track Contractors time.

3. Failure to Keep True and Accurate Payroll Records ($2,000):

I maintain detailed payment records for every contractor. Each payment I've made is accompanied by a memo (addenda) clearly specifying "Contract Labor." My records will prove compliance. Ex: "DILU, LLC: Contract Labor Planet Fitness December 24 Hyannis Diego"

4. Failure to Make Timely Payment of Wages ($5,000):

I have never owed money to any contractor. Payments are made the same day we receive funds from our client, with records to back this up.

Why I Am Asking for Your Help

We are a family in need. Legal battles like this are expensive, and the potential fines could leave us financially devastated. I am relying on your help to fight for our name, our family, and our business. Your generosity—whether through donations, prayers, or simply sharing our story—will make a world of difference.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. With God’s help and the kindness of our community, I believe we will get through this.

With love, grace, and gratitude,

Diego, Ludmilla, and the Freitas Family

Current and Upcoming Costs: