Tortures, beatings occurred at Phoenix drop house, officials say

05:28 PM Mountain Standard Time on Saturday, October 20, 2007

The Associated Press
http://www.azfamily.com

PHOENIX -- Authorities say at least seven among dozens of illegal immigrants found in a west Phoenix drop house were beaten and tortured.

One man had a plastic bag put over his head before his head was submerged in an unflushed toilet.

Authorities say that man's pregnant wife likely will lose her unborn child because of a severe assault.

Deputies are investigating other crimes in which at least five other immigrants had guns put to their heads at the drop house by smugglers demanding more money.

In all, 54 people were in the home, including four children and seven suspected smugglers.

The seven suspected smugglers were arrested and booked on charges of aggravated assault, kidnapping, illegal control of an enterprise and human smuggling for profit.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)