Shatasia Emoney Sanders Taylor, a 25-year-old Phoenix resident, has been sentenced to 27 months in prison following her conviction for alien smuggling and assaulting a federal agent. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Rosemary Márquez and includes an additional 36 months of supervised release.
Taylor’s conviction stems from a February 7, 2023, incident near Bisbee, Arizona. U.S. Border Patrol agents observed Taylor picking up suspected undocumented noncitizens in a desert area. When an agent approached her stationary vehicle and reached through the passenger door window, Taylor accelerated, dragging the agent alongside the vehicle for several hundred feet before stopping. In the backseat, agents found three undocumented noncitizens whom Taylor was transporting illegally into the United States.
The incident highlights the dangerous and illegal nature of alien smuggling activities. “Taylor’s actions not only jeopardized the lives of those she was smuggling but also endangered the life of a federal agent performing his duties,” said a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “This sentence underscores the serious consequences of such criminal behavior.”
Taylor pleaded guilty to the charges on September 6, 2023. Her sentencing reflects the gravity of the offenses and the risk posed to law enforcement officers. The case was investigated by Customs and Border Protection’s United States Border Patrol, and the prosecution was handled by the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized their commitment to prosecuting individuals involved in alien smuggling and assaults on federal agents. They reiterated the dangers posed by such activities and the importance of upholding the law to protect both citizens and law enforcement officers.
Taylor’s case serves as a reminder of the legal consequences of engaging in alien smuggling and assaulting federal agents. The 27-month prison sentence, followed by three years of supervised release, aims to deter similar crimes and ensure the safety of those working to secure the nation’s borders.