Southern Arizona Human Smuggling Coordinator Pleads Guilty

TUCSON, Ariz. – Tyler Myers, 25, of Sierra Vista, Arizona, pleaded guilty in federal court on April 3, 2023, in connection with his role as the coordinator for a human smuggling organization operating in the Tucson and Sierra Vista, Arizona area. Specifically, Myers pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens for Profit.

Between 2018 and 2022, Myers conspired to transport undocumented non-citizens for profit on at least 13 occasions. Myers utilized social media applications Snapchat and Telegram to recruit drivers and also to manage, supervise, and coordinate the smuggling, often in real time.

United States Border Patrol agents and Cochise County Sheriff’s officers arrested at least 44 undocumented non-citizens whose transportation in southern Arizona was connected to Myers’ role in the conspiracy.

A conviction for Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens for Profit carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both.

Sentencing is set before United States District Judge Scott H. Rash on June 12, 2023.

The investigation in this case was conducted by Customs and Border Protection’s United States Border Patrol. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution.

CASE NUMBER:            CR-22-1144-TUC-SHR-EJM
RELEASE NUMBER:    2023-061_Myers

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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit Justice.gov/AZ
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