5 arrested in MCSO search of Phoenix business (ABC-15)

5 arrested in MCSO search of Phoenix business
Posted: 07/27/2010

By: Katrina Schaefer

PHOENIX - A search warrant was served at a Phoenix business Tuesday morning where detectives were looking for 25 people suspected of identity theft and fraud.

Lieutenant Brian Lee with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office said the search was conducted at Valley View Building Services Inc. near 19th Street and University Drive.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio said that detectives became aware of information through sources that the business was contracted to conduct the cleanup of newly constructed buildings at the U.S. Military’s Fort Huachuca base in Sierra Vista.

After a three month investigation, detectives reportedly believe there are as many as 25 suspects working at the business with false identification and are suspected of being in the country illegally.

“I have deep concerns that people who come into our country illegally have managed to gain access onto an active U.S. Military installation,” said Arpaio in a news release. “This cause for concern goes well beyond the argument that people are only committing the crime of wanting to work in this country.”

Five suspects were arrested during Tuesday morning’s search warrant.

Three of the five were apparently targets of the investigation.

A U.S. citizen was arrested for an outstanding warrant and one employee was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for being suspected of being in the country illegally, but was not a target of the investigation, according to MCSO.

Deputies are continuing their search for the remaining suspects at other off-site work locations and will reportedly continue their investigation of the business.

This investigation marks the 37th investigation where sheriff’s deputies have gone into business establishments and arrested over 400 employees. MCSO said of those employees arrested, 278 were suspected of identity theft, fraud, and were also illegal aliens.

Valley View Building Services Inc. posted this response on their website to the sheriff‘s office’s operation:

“Today was the first time we had received any notice that there were some problems. We support the detaining of the 4 people who were identified and using some one else’s identity and we also support the detaining of the 1 individual that has a misdemeanor warrant out for his arrest. These crimes are serious and need to be dealt with. We live in a country of laws. It is what keeps our country free.

Our company has always verified employment by checking and verifying required ID’s. Since the inception of E-Verify, we have strictly complied with its requirements and regulations. We comply with all relevant local, state and federal rules concerning employment issues. We complete the I9 form, we have been registered with E-Verify since January of 2008 and all of our employees are paid through a payroll service with all the proper withholdings deducted and paid to local, state and federal agencies. We have acted in good faith with respect to the employment eligibility of our workforce and take this matter very, very seriously.

At this time we urge all public and elected officials to step up and become statesmen instead of worrying about re-election or public opinion. We are dealing with real people and real problems that deserve to be handled respectfully and justly. If we error, let us err on the side of compassion, but let us do what is required of us both morally and constitutionally. Let us protect our country, while also realizing that we were all immigrants at one time. May we turn to our Father in Heaven for the divine and providential guidance that our country so desperately needs at this point. Let us all use this opportunity to make the tough decisions, to make our country great once again.”