Tucson Region
Mexican man gets 10 yrs. in hostage case
ARIZONA DAILY STAR

A Mexican man who pleaded guilty to holding a group of illegal aliens hostage at a Tucson drop house was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, according to a U.S. Attorney's Office press release.

Jaime Moreno-Villalobos, 30, pleaded guilty in January to conspiracy to commit hostage-taking and conspiracy to transport and harbor illegal aliens for profit after he was arrested in April 2007, the press release stated.

Moreno-Villalobos, of Puerto Vallarta, took a group illegal aliens hostage after they were brought to his drop house when they arrived from Mexico, the press released stated.

Once the migrants arrived at the drop house, their clothing was taken, and they were told the smuggling fee had been raised, the press release stated.

The men were placed in a room with bars on the windows and a door that was locked from the outside.

When U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrived at the house in March 2007, they encountered 15 people attempting to leave the home, the press release stated.

The agents found 20 more people inside, the press release stated. A U.S. District Court judge also ordered Moreno-Villalobos to forfeit almost $25,000, a 2002 pickup truck and more than 50 pieces of jewelry.


http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/border/293170.php