2 From US Face Human Smuggling Charges (KPHO-AZ)

2 From US Face Human Smuggling Charges
Police Arrest 11 After Traffic Stop
POSTED: 1:05 pm MST September 22, 2010

PHOENIX -- Two U.S. citizens were among 11 people arrested Tuesday night on human smuggling charges, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies stopped a vehicle driven by 34-year-old Todd Bartlett and 47-year-old Fonna McCullar, both of Phoenix, at a traffic stop in north Phoenix, deputies said.

Deputies said nine other occupants were inside and in their ensuing investigation they determined that the vehicle was being used to smuggle humans. The nine passengers are from Mexico and Central America, deputies said.

Intelligence reports suggested drug and human smuggling organizations have started recruiting U.S. citizens, according to the sheriff's office.

"Apparently, the smugglers have bought into the false notion that our detectives are only looking for people who appear to be from Mexico," said Sheriff Joe Arpaio.

MCSO is currently under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice over allegations of racial profiling.

Bartlett and McCullar have been charged with a class four felony for human smuggling.