Thread: Tallassee couple charged with harboring 24 illegal aliens

Tallassee couple charged with harboring 24 illegal aliens

TALLASSEE, Ala. A mid-morning raid at a business/residential compound in Tallassee resulted in the arrest of 24 illegal immigrants today in Tallapoosa County.

According to a press release from the Alabama Department of Public Safety, federal, state and local law enforcement officers served federal search warrants at Rapid Drywall Company.

Among those charged were 33-year-old Octavio Trejo Pitino and his wife, 37-year-old Rhoda Baird, the operators of the company. Both were charged with harboring illegal aliens and money laundering.

Authorities allege the couple employed and housed the illegal aliens to work for the business.

In all, 13 males face federal immigration charges and were transported a federal holding facility at the Etowah County Jail in Gadsden. Ten others -- five women and five children -- were released on their own recognizance.

Agents seized 17-thousand dollar in cash, four vehicles, several weapons and dozens of documents. The arrests follow a six-month investigation initiated by the Tallapoosa County Sheriff's Office and the Alabama Bureau of Investigation.

The cases will be prosecuted by the U-S Attorneys Office in Montgomery.

http://www.wtvm.com/Global/story.asp?S=5532104&nav=8fap

In all, 13 males face federal immigration charges and were transported a federal holding facility at the Etowah County Jail in Gadsden. Ten others -- five women and five children -- were released on their own recognizance.

Last month I heard President Bush swear that "catch & release" hand ended. If so, why were the five illegal immigrant women released? Furthermore, why weren't they given the option to immediately deport? The children should not play a factor in punishing criminals.