http://www.kesq.com/Global/story.asp?S=5704771&nav=9qrx

Three suspects charged with smuggling immigrants from Mexico


SAN DIEGO Investigators have broken up a smuggling ring that brought immigrants from Mexico to Los Angeles using scouts and drivers.

A federal grand jury indicted eight men on smuggling charges and four others on related charges.

Prosecutors say three suspects, including the ringleader, pleaded not guilty this week in federal court. Authorities are still searching for five others named in the indictment.

The immigrants were led across the border on foot while scouts kept watch for Border Patrol agents. Directed by the scouts, drivers picked up the immigrants, crammed them into trucks and drove them to Los Angeles, usually along Intestate 15.