Mexico man facing prison for robbing immigrants near Sacaton
Last Update: 4:17 pm

PHOENIX -- A Mexican citizen could be facing a lengthy prison sentence in connection with last year's armed robbery of a group of illegal immigrants near Sacaton.

Prosecutors say 25-year-old Adriel Laurel-Vasquez pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Phoenix to possessing a firearm during the highway robbery and could get between five years to life in prison when he's sentenced.

On Aug. 20, 2008, authorities say Laurel-Vasquez and another man approached a group of 17 undocumented immigrants who had recently entered the U.S. illegally and were waiting at a prearranged location to meet a vehicle.

They say Laurel-Vasquez had a gun and tied up the guide and another member of the group, and ordered his companion to demand money from the illegal immigrants.

When the vehicle arrived, authorities say Laurel-Vasquez ordered the driver out at gunpoint and then loaded up the vehicle with the group of undocumented aliens and drove toward Phoenix before it was pulled over by Border Patrol agents.

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