County attorney reports 100th human smuggling prosecution
September 18th, 2008 @ 9:35pm
by Colton Shone/KTAR

The office of County Attorney Andrew Thomas has now successfully prosecuted over 700 illegal immigrants, and 100 human smugglers.

"The idea that we can only prosecute the smugglers, and we should just ignore the illegal immigrants - we should devote the resources to one and not the other - is a false choice and a phony argument," Thomas said. "We've shown that."

Thomas said at least 40 "coyotes" have pleaded guilty to more serious crimes, such as kidnapping to supply drop houses.

The County Attorney's office began prosecuting illegal immigrants and smugglers two years ago. The office has reported a 98 percent conviction rate.

"We're going to continue to prosecute not only the smugglers, but the illegal immigrants who conspire to be smuggled into the state in violation of Arizona law," Thomas said.

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