YUMA, Ariz. — Eighteen people have been arrested and indicted on multiple conspiracy charges for their alleged involvement with a Yuma-based migrant smuggling ring.
One of the men, 24-year-old Carlos Moreno-Serrano, was named as the leader of the group in the indictments.
The defendants are accused of being part of the smuggling group known as La Mesa. The group was reportedly working for the criminal organization Los Rusos to transport people illegally across the border, according to a press release from the United States Attorney for the District of Arizona.
La Mesa had reportedly smuggled "hundreds" of undocumented noncitizens across the U.S.-Mexico border. Prior to the arrests, the group also coordinated smuggling events, found drivers, ran stash houses and paid out drivers, the release claimed.
"La Mesa used force, threats, and intimidation to successfully operate both in the United States and Mexico. Video evidence reveals that the organization kidnapped members and threatened and assaulted them as retribution for having been arrested," the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
The following 18 people were indicted on charges for Conspiracy to Harbor Illegal Aliens, Harboring Illegal Aliens for Profit, and Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens:
- Victor Eduardo Araiza-Ponce, 24, of Yuma
- Antonio Aparicio III, 24, of Somerton
- Alonzo Esparza, 27, of Yuma
- Carlos Moreno-Serrano, 24, of Yuma
- Xasiel Noriega-Gonzalez, 21, of Somerton
- Joshua Guillermo Leon-Fuentes, 21, of Somerton
- Angel Rodriguez, 23, of Yuma
- Crystobal Figueroa, 23, of Somerton
- Saul Ponce Jr., 23, of San Luis
- David Leon-Pallanes, 23, of Yuma
- Manuel Uriel Alvarado, 26, of Yuma
- Elian Lopez, 24, of Yuma
- Raymundo Delgado-Diaz, 35, of Yuma
- Isreal Zeveda, 23, of Salinas, California
- Francisco Javier Esparza-Macias, 21, of Somerton
- Alex Chiquete, 25, of Yuma
- Hector Eduardo-Valdez, 31, of Yuma
- Jose Gabriel Marquez-Mendiola, 32, of Yuma
If found guilty, they face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 per charge.
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