Two Men Accused Of Human Smuggling (KPHO-Phoenix, AZ)

Two Men Accused Of Human Smuggling

POSTED: 8:29 am MST January 27, 2009

PHOENIX -- Yavapai County deputies arrested two men on suspicion of human trafficking.

Yavapai County Sheriff's Office spokesman Dwight D'Evelyn said deputies stopped a white Chevrolet Suburban on Interstate 17 Saturday afternoon for impeding traffic. The driver, who did not speak English, produced an "obviously fake" Mexican chauffeur's license when asked to show identification, D'Evelyn.

The Suburban contained 12 passengers, none of whom were wearing seat belts, D'Evelyn said. The vehicle's suspension had also been modified to handle extra passenger weight.

After questioning the men, deputies determined driver Alberto Correa, 28, and passenger Edgar Correa, 21, were working together to smuggle illegal immigrants, D'Evelyn said. Deputies discovered Edgar had a prior deportation case from February 2008.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement interviewed each of the detainees and confirmed all were illegal immigrants.

The Correas had been hired by a smuggler in Phoenix who provided the Suburban and $400 in gas money, D'Evelyn said. The Correas picked up the 11 passengers from a drop house in Phoenix, but their destination was unclear.

Alberto and Edgar Correa were arrested on suspicion of human smuggling, deputies said. Alberto was also booked on suspicion of possession of a forged instrument.

The remaining 11 passengers are in ICE custody and await deportation hearings, according to authorities.