The number of workers cheated out of their wages has surged in the recession -- and now prosecutors and investigators are gearing up to go after unscrupulous employers.

The Fresno County District Attorney's Office is working with legal advocates to identify the most egregious cases. Each one that they flag will be sent to the Sheriff's Office or local police department with instructions to investigate, said John Savrnoch, chief assistant district attorney.

"We are trying to work with all the parties and come up with a system to get theft-of-labor cases properly investigated -- and get them into the prosecution mode," Savrnoch said.

The local effort was spurred by Chris Schneider, executive director of Central California Legal Services, a nonprofit legal advocacy group. He said it has become obvious that the problem needs more attention.

"As the economy worsens, we are seeing wage theft go up," Schneider said. "Something has to be done."  (please click link for full story)