Leslie Patricia Rivera, Miguel Angel Medina, Human Trafficking, Montana 2023

Missoula, MT – In a shocking case of human trafficking, two Washington residents have been accused of transporting six illegal aliens who crossed into the United States from Canada.

Leslie Patricia Rivera, 51, and Miguel Angel Medina, 61, both of the Seattle, Washington area, appeared in court on January 21 on charges of conspiracy to transport and transportation of illegal aliens.

A U.S. Border Patrol agent was notified of persons potentially attempting to illegally enter the United States near the Green Basin area of West Kootenai on January 19 at approximately 5 a.m. The agent learned that a group of unknown individuals, possibly from six to nine persons, were attempting to cross the border on foot.

The agent ultimately stopped a suspected vehicle, an SUV with a Washington license plate, on a Forest Service road. An investigation determined that Rivera was the driver and Medina was the front passenger. In the back seats were six occupants, who indicated to the agent that they were in the country illegally.

Rivera was detained pending further proceedings, while Medina was released on conditions pending further proceedings after a detention hearing.

The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, with the U.S. Border Patrol investigating the case.

PACER case reference: MJ-22-1. The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system.

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