Two men suspected of transporting people illegally into the United States were each charged today with seven counts of human smuggling.
Guadelupe Alvarez and Bernardino Fuentes-Espinoza were arrested July 9 by Wheat Ridge police. Fuentes-Espinoza also was charged with forgery after he allegedly tried to pass a counterfeit $100 bill at a convenience store.
Police discovered nine people in the men’s van, although two of them fled and cannot be located.
Jefferson County District Attorney Scott Storey has said he might have to dismiss the charges later if those being transported are not available as witnesses at trial if they have been deported or have disappeared.
Staff writer Ann Schrader can be reached at 303-278-3217 or aschrader@denverpost.com.
