3 suspected illegals arrested at A.J. company
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Gary Grado, Tribune

May 7, 2009 - 9:18PM

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office arrested three suspected illegal immigrants Thursday in connection with an employer sanctions investigation of an Apache Junction construction company.

Sheriff’s investigators served a search warrant at SAK-Electric and Plumbing, 56 S. Meridian Road, to look over the company’s personnel files.

The company caught the interest of investigators in November when a deputy was booking an illegal immigrant on suspicion of manslaughter and aggravated assault charges in connection with the death of a Highland High School band member.

The deputy was investigating the background of Manuel Contreras-Galdean and found that Contreras-Galdean worked at the Apache Junction company.

Contreras-Galdean is in jail awaiting trial.

Authorities say Contreras-Galdean was impaired by alcohol when he failed to yield as he was making a left turn at the intersection of Sossaman and Guadalupe roads. The collision killed Kelly Tracy and injured her brother Matthew. The pair were traveling to a Nov. 17 marching band performance at Gilbert Days.

Contreras-Galdean’s brother, Leonel Contreras-Galdean, 30, was arrested Thursday at the Apache Junction company on suspicion of forgery and identity theft. Also arrested were Francisco Perez-Silva, 44, and Miguel Angel Cajero-Morales, 44.

Bob Harrah, the company’s general manager, declined comment.

The sheriff’s office has raided several companies throughout the Valley on suspicion of violating the state’s employer sanctions law, which requires employers to check the legal status of all new hires.

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/138936