Ecuadorian Boy Rescued from Alleged Smuggler

Updated: Monday, 20 Sep 2010, 7:12 PM MDT
Published : Monday, 20 Sep 2010, 7:12 PM MDT

PHOENIX (AP) — Federal authorities say a 9-year-old Ecuadorian boy has been rescued after allegedly being held hostage in Arizona by a human smuggler for more than four months.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said Monday that the boy became separated from his mother while they were illegally crossing the Arizona-Mexico on May 4. They say the smugglers demanded $4,000 for the child's release, which his parents were unable to pay.

Acting on a tip, federal authorities confirmed through surveillance that the boy was being held at a Mesa apartment. Agents moved in Friday and rescued the boy and arrested 25-year-old Mario Fernandez-Fernandez of Mexico.

Authorities say Fernandez-Fernandez made his initial appearance Monday in federal court in Phoenix and was formally charged with human smuggling.

http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/im ... -9-20-2010