Tyler Myers, Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens for Profit, Arizona 2023

Human Smuggling Ring Leader Pleads Guilty in Tucson

TUCSON, Ariz. – In a major blow to human trafficking in Southern Arizona, Tyler Myers, 25, of Sierra Vista, pleaded guilty in federal court on April 3, 2023, in connection with his role as the coordinator for a human smuggling organization operating in the Tucson and Sierra Vista, Arizona area.

Between 2018 and 2022, Myers conspired to transport undocumented non-citizens for profit on at least 13 occasions. Using social media applications Snapchat and Telegram to recruit drivers and manage the smuggling operations, Myers often coordinated in real time.

The scheme resulted in the arrest of at least 44 undocumented non-citizens whose transportation in southern Arizona was connected to Myers' role in the conspiracy. The investigation, led by Customs and Border Protection's United States Border Patrol, uncovered a complex network of human smuggling.

Myers pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens for Profit, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both. Sentencing is set before United States District Judge Scott H. Rash on June 12, 2023.

The United States Attorney's Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution, working closely with the United States Border Patrol to dismantle the smuggling operation.

As the investigation continues, authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to combat human trafficking and protect the vulnerable populations affected by this crime.

For more information on the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Arizona, visit Justice.gov/AZ. Follow the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-az/pr/southern-arizona-human-smuggling-coordinator-pleads-guilty