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Judge finds migrant-aid volunteers guilty of misdemeanors

Posted at 11:46 AM, Jan 23, 2019
and last updated 2019-01-23 12:46:27-05

By Sam Radwany

TUCSON, Ariz. — A federal judge in Tucson Friday found four volunteers with a humanitarian aid group guilty of misdemeanor crimes.

The volunteers work with the group "No More Deaths," leaving food, water and blankets in the Arizona desert for migrants attempting to cross the border.

Four volunteers with the group were charged with federal misdemeanor crimes -- entering a national wildlife refuge without a permit and driving a vehicle in the area.

Federal Judge Bernardo Velasco found all four of the volunteers guilty of the charges Friday after a trial that lasted several days, according to a news release from the group Friday evening. They could be sentenced to up to six months in jail and a $500 fine.

Several more volunteers with the group who are facing charges are set for trial in the coming months, including Scott Warren who is accused of harboring two illegal immigrants in an incident from January 2018. He could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

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