Women Convicted for Human Smuggling

Tucson, Ariz. – Two female United States citizens were convicted in U.S. District Court yesterday for attempting to transport illegal aliens into the interior of the United States.

In July, the Arizona Department of Transportation requested Border Patrol assistance with a vehicle stop involving possible human smuggling. Agents determined the two females were transporting five undocumented aliens illegally present in the United States. The aliens and their smugglers were taken into custody by Border Patrol agents and transported to the Tucson Station for further processing.

During processing, agents scanned fingerprints of both female subjects, Kaleena Leah Morales, 28, and Sharae Jakaub, 33, into the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System and learned both had prior criminal convictions. Morales was convicted in 2005 for aggravated assault and child abuse. Jakaub was arrested and convicted in 2008 for a dangerous drug violation. After initial processing, the Tucson Sector’s Prosecution Unit submitted the case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Sentencing is set for February 2012.

In January 2011, the Tucson Sector Border Patrol, a component of the Joint Field Command-Arizona, enhanced the Consequence Delivery System as an integral component of its enforcement strategy. The goal of the CDS is to deliver, to the fullest extent of the law, a targeted consequence to individuals involved in smuggling activities.

In addition, the collaborative efforts between local, state and federal agencies amplify the effectiveness of denying and disrupting the operations of smuggling organizations within the Tucson Sector.

These programs have enhanced the agency’s ability to impose a consequence for violating federal laws. Increases in manpower, infrastructure and technology have made the Border Patrol more effective, and the impact programs make the agency more efficient. Combining these strategies has allowed the Border Patrol to create a stronger border security strategy.

Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol by calling (877) 872-7435 toll free. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.