Published: Nov. 26, 2010
Updated: 7:26 p.m.

Authorities ID three suspected of smuggling Mexicans

By RACHANEE SRISAVASDI and SEAN EMERY
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

SANTA ANA – Authorities have identified several people suspected as smugglers who were arrested Friday after demanding more money from a Santa Ana resident before releasing two Mexican nationals, police said.

The "coyotes" showed up at a residence in the 2900 block of South Bradford Street about 8:30 a.m. and asked for $2,500 from the resident in order to release the two Mexicans, Sgt. Richard Shin said.

The resident refused and called police, who arrived and arrested two men and one woman, Santa Ana police Cmdr. Larry Coleman said.
Police arrested Anthony Prewitt, 25, of Chula Vista and Andrea Schmidig, 24, of Reno, Nev., on suspicion of false imprisonment and conspiracy, Coleman said.

Jesus Rubio, 28, of Tijuana was booked on a Immigration and Customs Enforcement hold after authorities found a warrant in his name for illegal crossings, Coleman said.

The Mexican nationals were taken to Santa Ana Police Department for further questioning.

It was unknown whether they would be immediately deported.

Contact the writer: 714-834-3773 or rsrisavasdi@ocregister.com

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