'Sheriff Joe' Workers Busted for Human Trafficking

Deputy, two others accused of cartel ties
By Tim Karan,  Newser Staff
Posted May 25, 2011 4:52 PM CDT
Maricopa County Sheriff's Workers Busted for Drugs, Human Trafficking
Three Maricopa Sheriff's Department employees under controversial Sheriff Joe Arpaio have been charged with trafficking in drugs and illegal immigrants.   (Getty Images)

So much for not taking your work home with you. Three employees of immigrant archenemy Sheriff Joe Arpaio in Arizona—including a deputy in the human-smuggling unit—were arrested for alleged involvement in a drug- and human-trafficking ring. One is also 8 months' pregnant with the child of a Sinaloa drug cartel member, reports the Arizona Republic. (Maybe they'll show up in the Sheriff Joe's mugshot of the day contest?)

Investigators found two illegal immigrants at the home of Deputy Alfredo Navarrette—one of the first members of Arpaio's controversial racial profiling squad—following a yearlong investigation. Two detention officers are also accused of moving drugs and cash for a Phoenix-based drug ring with ties to Mexico. "The fight against drugs, illegal immigration and human trafficking is important not only to me but the citizens of Arizona," says Arpaio. "That a deputy sheriff would provide information and associate with these drug and human traffickers is despicable." (More Tea Party stories.)

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