Alert police work by two South Precinct Flex officers during the night led to the arrest of nine persons on suspicion of taking part in an illegal alien smuggling operation.
The nine persons, eight men and one woman all of Hispanic descent, are being held in the Metro Jail on federal immigration detainers pending a continuing investigation by special agents from United States Immigration & Customs Enforcement.
At 12:30 a.m., South Flex Officers Shaun Hardin and Clay Anderson spotted a van with a headlight missing traveling east on I-24 near Briley Parkway.The driver, Jorge Sosa Aguirre, 28, slowed to almost 40 mph to avoid passing the police car.The officers slowed and stopped the van, which had a California license plate.Inside were nine persons, seven of whom did not speak English.Aguirre was asked if there were any weapons, large amounts of money, or drugs in the van.He said no and consented to a search of the vehicle.During the search, Officer Anderson found $4,900 in cash hidden in the headliner/roof area of the van.
A routine check of the vehicle through a federal computer database showed that it was suspected of being involved in illegal alien smuggling through which illegal aliens pay for transportation from one part of the country to another.
“This traffic stop for a minor headlight violation obviously resulted in a very significant case,” Chief Ronal Serpas said.“I am very proud of the officers on the South Flex team who are performing outstanding police work while most of Nashville sleeps.”
Aguirre was given a traffic ticket for driving without one headlight.Any other charges or action against the nine individuals will result from the federal government.
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