4 detention workers charged in scheme to smuggle immigrants


Associated Press - November 13, 2007 5:55 PM ET

SARITA, Texas (AP) - Four workers at a detention center in Texas are held on charges they used company vehicles to smuggle illegal immigrants through checkpoints.

Carlos Miguel Garcia and Benjamin Lopez Sanchez -- both of Raymondville -- were arrested after being stopped Thursday at the Sarita (suh-REE'-tuh) checkpoint.

Officials say 28 illegal immigrants were in the company van.

Both men are charged with transporting illegal immigrants.

Juan Trevino Junior and Alberto Vasquez -- both of Harlingen -- were arrested Sunday at their homes.

They're charged with conspiring to transport illegal immigrants.

All four work for Utah-based Management Training, which runs the Willacy County Detention Center for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Management Training officials didn't immediately comment.

If convicted, the four men face up to five years in prison and fines of up to $250,000.

Trevino and Vasquez have a detention hearing Friday in Brownsville.

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