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Tucson Smuggling Operation Exposed
Tucson, Arizona, resident Sean Christopher Hale, 33, has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for attempting to smuggle 26 noncitizens in a water tanker truck.
On June 19, 2021, U.S. Border Patrol Agents stopped a large water truck driven by Hale, which was suspected of smuggling individuals in its tank. Upon opening the tank, 26 individuals were found inside, showing signs of heat and oxygen deprivation.
“This case is a stark reminder of how human smuggling organizations endanger and exploit noncitizens looking for a better life in America,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino.
Hale previously pleaded guilty to Transportation of Illegal Aliens for Profit Placing in Jeopardy the Life of Any Person. U.S. District Judge Rosemary Marquez handed down the 30-month sentence, accompanied by three years of supervised release.
The United States Border Patrol conducted the investigation, while the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution (CASE NUMBER: CR-21-02462-RM-LCK). For more information, visit www.justice.gov/usao/az.
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Key Facts
- State: Arizona
- Category: Human Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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