TUCSON, AZ – A Tucson woman, Michelle Sunshine Betters, appeared in federal court on charges relating to the transportation of illegal aliens while placing a person’s life in jeopardy, causing bodily injury, and resulting in death.
The 44-year-old Betters was previously indicted on three counts by a federal grand jury. The court ordered Betters detained pending trial, which is scheduled for September 8.
According to the Department of Justice, on June 3, 2021 the Tohono O’odham Police Department responded to a two-vehicle crash on State Route 86. The investigation revealed that Betters was driving a car that sideswiped a truck, then left the roadway and struck a tree. There were two other passengers in the car, both of whom were determined to be undocumented non-citizens. One of the non-citizens was declared deceased at the scene, and the other was transported to the hospital to be treated for various injuries.
“Unfortunately, this is yet another example of the dangers of human smuggling resulting in a tragic death,” said special agent in charge, Scott Brown for HSI Phoenix. “HSI is committed to investigating these human smuggling organizations that prey on the vulnerable and have no regard for the sanctity of life. We will stop at nothing to bringing those involved to face justice.”