ARIZONA NEWS

Tucson man sentenced to 30 months in human smuggling case

May 18, 2023, 4:00 PM | Updated: 5:51 pm

(Pexels Photo)...

(Pexels Photo)

(Pexels Photo)

PHOENIX – A Tucson man was sentenced last week in a human smuggling case.

Michael Lopez-Loreto, 22, received 30 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Lopez-Loreto pleaded guilty in February to Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens for Profit Placing in Jeopardy the Life of Any Person.

In January, U.S. Border Patrol agents encountered Lopez-Loreto after a homeowner reported a vehicle on their property. Agents saw people run from the desert and enter the vehicle that was being driven Lopez-Loreto.

He then drove to an area where the agents blocked the roadway and was forced to slow down due to the obstruction.

A pursuit began after, Lopez-Loreto was able to maneuver around agents to avoid being apprehended.

During the chase, agents used spike strips twice to stop Lopez-Loreto’s vehicle, but he was able to avoid them. However, as Lopez-Loreto was avoiding the strips, he swerved into an oncoming lane, causing him rollover after he crashed into water barriers.

Two passengers, who were undocumented non-citizens he was smuggling further into the country, suffered injuries and were taken to the hospital to be treated.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

In addition to the towers in the first phase, South Pier will have more housing units and retail th...

Ron Davis/Phoenix Business Journal

Developer secures large loan for multibillion-dollar Tempe Town Lake project

The developer of South Pier along Tempe Town Lake has secured a hefty loan to finance the completion of the first phase of the mixed-use project.

6 hours ago

(Facebook Photo)...

Associated Press

Mother pleads guilty after Arizona boy starves to death

An Arizona mother has pleaded guilty to murder and child abuse charges stemming from the death of her 6-year-old son who had been locked in a closet and denied food.

1 day ago

(AP Photo/Giovanna Dell'Orto)...

KTAR.com

Weekend wrap-up: Here are the biggest Arizona stories from May 26-28

Here are some of the biggest stories that headlined the Arizona news cycle over the busy Memorial Day Weekend.

1 day ago

Migrants get help with the CBPOne app from a Tijuana, Mexico city worker Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023, in...

Associated Press

CBP One app assists asylum-seekers after end of Title 42

More than 79,000 people were admitted under CBP One from its Jan. 12 launch through the end of April.

1 day ago

(Facebook Photo/Phoenix Police Department)...

KTAR.com

Phoenix police investigate hit-and-run leaving 23-year-old woman dead

Phoenix police are investigating a hit-and-run that left one woman dead early on Sunday morning, authorities said.

1 day ago

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)...

Wills Rice

Lake Pleasant, Salt River see heavy traffic during Memorial Day Weekend

Both Lake Pleasant and the Salt River have seen extensive traffic over Memorial Day Weekend as families try and beat the heat.

1 day ago

Sponsored Articles

...

SANDERSON FORD

Thank you to Al McCoy for 51 years as voice of the Phoenix Suns

Sanderson Ford wants to share its thanks to Al McCoy for the impact he made in the Valley for more than a half-decade.

(Desert Institute for Spine Care in Arizona Photo)...

Desert Institute for Spine Care in Arizona

5 common causes for chronic neck pain

Neck pain can debilitate one’s daily routine, yet 80% of people experience it in their lives and 20%-50% deal with it annually.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Company looking for oldest air conditioner and wants to reward homeowner with new one

Does your air conditioner make weird noises or a burning smell when it starts? If so, you may be due for an AC unit replacement.

Tucson man sentenced to 30 months in human smuggling case