Multi-Agency Task Force Uncovers Child Smuggling Case in Cochise County

Body Cam Footage Of The Suspect / Pinal County Sheriff’s Office

By Ciara Perez, Senior Multimedia Correspondent

iSkyNews.com (ISC News) – Published January 9th, 2026

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Multi-Agency Task Force Uncovers Child Smuggling Case in Cochise County

COCHISE COUNTY, Ariz. — Authorities are investigating a child smuggling case after a multi-agency law enforcement task force stopped a suspected smuggling vehicle earlier this week, according to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office and the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office.

Body-Cam Footage:

On January 7, law enforcement officers were monitoring a vehicle believed to be involved in smuggling activity in Cochise County. The vehicle, which had a Mexican license plate, was stopped by members of the task force. Investigators say the driver was a Mexican citizen and had two young children inside the car.

Authorities determined one of the children was the woman’s biological daughter. The second child, an 8-year-old boy, was not related to her.

The vehicle was temporarily seized and searched for narcotics with assistance from the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit. The K-9 involved in the search was identified as K-9 Morgan, according to PCSO.

During the vehicle search, the woman obtained a motel room in Eloy.

While the search was ongoing, federal partners conducted additional background research. Based on the findings, task force officers contacted the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office to locate and interview the woman, suspecting she may have been involved in child trafficking connected to cartel activity.

When Pinal County deputies spoke with the woman, investigators say her statements were inconsistent and did not make sense. Deputies also observed that the boy appeared to be coached in his responses. Further investigation revealed the woman had provided deputies with a false name for the child.

According to authorities, the woman ultimately admitted she was smuggling the 8-year-old boy in exchange for money and told investigators she was paid $500 to transport the child. She reportedly stated she did not know the boy’s family or his intended final destination.

Cochise County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Eloy to assist with the investigation. Federal agents later took custody of the child, and officials say federal charges are expected to be pursued against the woman.

At this time, investigators say the intended purpose of the trafficking involving the child remains unknown. The investigation remains ongoing.

Press Conference:

iSkyNews.com reporters spoke directly with officials involved in this case, including Pinal County Sheriff Ross Teeple, Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels, and Deputy Greg Sanders of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit. An interview with the sheriffs, along with exclusive body-worn camera footage related to the incident, can be viewed in this story.