Human trafficking operation busted in Baldwin

BALDWIN - A human trafficking operation has been busted in Habersham County.

Baldwin Police Lt. Tim Vaughan said a driver and seven passengers were pulled over for a traffic violation Sunday on Highway 365, but officers soon discovered that all eight were illegal immigrants.

He said the group was driving through the Baldwin area after being picked up in Arizona where they crossed over the border.

Vaughan said the driver, Eugenio Lopez, had been deported prior to this incident. He said another passenger also had a history of being deported and was a convicted felon.

Vaughan said all eight were taken into custody following a brief foot chase near Duncan Bridge Road.

Vaughan said in addition to Lopez, the arrested were Cesar Morales, Brian Alsides, Misael Tapia, Maria Sandoval, Emiliano Hernandez, Jose Abregon and Juan Santiago.