16 Marines Arrested Over Alleged ‘Human Smuggling’ and ‘Drug-Related Offenses’

By Alberto Luperon |

Sixteen Marines were arrested Thursday in Camp Pendleton in California. Authorities are pretty reserved right now about the allegations. The press statement from the 1st Marine Division simple describes this as “involvement in various illegal activities ranging from human smuggling to drug-related offenses.”

Authorities did mention this, however: “Information gained from a previous human smuggling investigation precipitated the arrests.”

Communication Strategy and Operations Director Maj. Kendra Motz confirmed to Law&Crime that this is connected to the earlier arrest of two Camp Pendleton Marines for allegedly transporting undocumented immigrants.

The defendants related to that case were previously identified as Lance Corporals Byron Law II and David Salazar-Quintero. Records show they pleaded not guilty on July 17.

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