Man driving modified pickup truck arrested for human smuggling

Yavapai Co. Sheriff's Office

Illegal immigrants were found in a pickup truck.

The following is a press release from the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office:
CAMP VERDE -- On April 22, 2008, at approximately 6:15 A.M., a Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Deputy stopped a green 1995 Dodge Ram pick-up for speeding on the I17 in Camp Verde.

The deputy contacted the driver, identified as 28-year-old Edgar Ocampo, and learned that he was an unlicensed driver transporting 16 illegal aliens in the vehicle.

The deputy examined the vehicle and found 6 subjects in the truck's cab and 10 subjects in the cargo bed of the truck.

Ocampo told the deputy that the passengers were his friends but he was unable to name anyone in the vehicle.

Ocampo eventually admitted the passengers were here illegally from Mexico, like himself, and he was taking the group to Flagstaff to find work.

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office was notified and after conducting a phone interview with Ocampo, authorized the detention of the 16 subjects and confirmed Ocampo was involved in human smuggling.

During a closer examination of the vehicle, the deputy found exposed wiring under the dashboard that connected to suspension components attached to the back of the vehicle.

This modification allowed the driver to increase vehicle lift to compensate for the weight of humans stowed in the bed of the truck. The purpose of this modification is to reduce the chances of detection by law enforcement of an overweight vehicle on the roadway.

The 16 subjects were transported to the Camp Verde Jail facility pending detention by ICE officers. Ocampo was also transported to the Camp Verde Jail and booked on 16 counts of human smuggling.

Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office with information or questions at (928) 771-3260 or the YCSO website: www.ycsoaz.gov