Tucson woman charged with human smuggling leading to death
Jul 31, 2021, 7:00 AM
(Pixabay photo)
(Pixabay photo)
PHOENIX — A woman from Tucson was indicted on Tuesday for transporting undocumented residents, ultimately resulting in a death from a car accident, authorities announced.
Officers responded to a two-vehicle crash on State Route 86 on June 3, and discovered Michelle Sunshine Betters, 44, had been driving two non-citizens when she sideswiped a truck, injuring and killing one of the passengers in her car, according to a press release.
The other undocumented passenger was transported to the hospital for various injuries.
“Unfortunately, this is yet another example of the dangers of human smuggling resulting in a tragic death,” Scott Brown, special agent in charge for HSI Phoenix, said in the release.
“HSI is committed to investigating these human smuggling organizations that prey on the vulnerable and have no regard for the sanctity of life. We will stop at nothing to bringing those involved to face justice.”
Betters was previously indicted on three counts by a federal jury, and a district court ordered her detained pending trial, which is scheduled for Sept. 8.
