San Diego
Two women charged in what authorities claim was a massive smuggling ring that sold Mexican infants for up to $10,000 each to U.S. couples pleaded innocent Friday to a seven-count federal indictment.
Juanita Vargas Espinosa, 52, and her daughter, Melinda Yolanda Leyva Vargas, 28, were arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Edward Infante, who scheduled a Thursday bail review hearing for the two women. He also set Sept. 16 for motions and trial setting before U.S. District Judge J. Lawrence Irving.
The women each were charged with a single count of conspiracy, three counts of illegal entry and three counts of transporting illegal aliens. They were arrested Aug. 28 at Lindbergh Field when authorities said they were delivering an infant to a Kalama, Wash., couple, who had been working with immigration officials.
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