A man from Mexico will spend 18 months in prison, after authorities say he re-entered the U.S. illegally, after being deported.
The U.S. Attorney's Office says 41-year old Jose Navarro-Laguna pleaded guilty to the charge. He was arrested last August after a traffic stop in Jefferson County.
State Police made the stop, and troopers say Navarro-Laguna had a female passenger who spoke no English. Navarro-Laguna told troopers he was giving the girl a ride to Alabama.
After more investigating, troopers say they were suspicious the girl was a victim of human trafficking. They say Navarro-Laguna admitted he gave rides to people for money.
Prosecutors say Navarro-Laguna has been arrested and deported at least three other times since 2005.
January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. You can get more information at this website.
