PHOENIX, Ariz. — A local area man was sentenced Nov. 14 to 33 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for his involvement in human smuggling. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Customs and Border Protection’s United States Border Patrol and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation in this case.
“Human smuggling thrives where desperation meets opportunity, a black market economy that preys on vulnerability for pure profit,” said HSI Arizona Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola. “HSI’s law enforcement partnerships have never been stronger than today as we work together to combat this illegal and dangerous activity. Let this case serve as yet another reminder that if smugglers believe they can fly undetected, they are wrong. We will find you and you be brought to justice.”
Tonya Durinda Romero, 37, of Phoenix, further pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens July 31.
Romero admitted that she was a member of a conspiracy that transported undocumented noncitizens from southern Arizona to the Phoenix metropolitan area. She was involved in renting stash houses to harbor the noncitizens and providing vehicles to others to transport them further into the United States. Romero was stopped on Jan. 30, by a Pinal County Sheriff’s Office deputy sheriff because her registration had expired; the deputy also determined that Romero was driving with a suspended license and had no insurance. Romero was arrested and transported to the Casa Grande Border Patrol station for an in-depth interview, during which she admitted to law enforcement that she had been involved in human smuggling since she was 16 years old.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa E. Jennis, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.