Pinal County, AZ – An 8-year-old boy was rescued from suspected human traffickers after law enforcement stopped a smuggling vehicle in Cochise County on January 7, according to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office.
Officers with a multi-agency task force initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle with a Mexican license plate. The driver, a Mexican citizen, had two young children inside—one was her biological daughter, while the other, an 8-year-old boy, was not related. Deputies say the vehicle was searched for narcotics, and the woman was taken to a motel room in Eloy for further questioning.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the woman initially gave deputies a false name for the boy. Investigators later determined she had allegedly been paid to smuggle the child but did not know his family or destination. Federal partners believe the woman may have been involved in trafficking children for a cartel.
Cochise County deputies and federal agents assisted in the investigation. Authorities say the boy is now in safe custody, while federal officials pursue charges against the woman.
The motive and intended destination for the child remain under investigation.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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