Officers break up local ring, rescue 30
By Lee Williams
Published in News on April 10, 2007 1:46 PM
A Wayne County man accused of smuggling illegal immigrants into the country is behind bars at the Wayne County Jail after a joint-operation with the FBI and Wayne County Sheriff's Office SWAT team.
Anmer Uliser Salas Zunun, 25, of 201 Doug Drive, was arrested Friday after officers raided his home and allegedly found 30 illegal immigrants at the residence, Wayne County sheriff's officials said.
Zunun was charged with one count of kidnapping for ransom and placed in the county jail in lieu of a $50,000 bond. Officials say more charges could be forthcoming.
"The FBI is in the process of charging him and two other suspects with the federal crime of human trafficking and kidnapping," Wayne County Sheriff's Detective Sgt. Shawn Harris said.
An FBI investigation into the human trafficking, kidnapping and ransom case, which began in Lexington, Ky., led officers to 201 Doug Drive in search of the victim, Tomas Salis Tomas, who had been reported missing.
During the Wayne County raid, Tomas was located at the home.
"The victim is now back with his family in Kentucky," Harris said.
The two agencies worked 14 hours straight in search of the victim. Two suspects were detained for questioning and one suspect, Zunun, was charged in the case.
Sheriff Carey Winders applauded the FBI and his men for breaking the case.
"I am proud of the hard work and determination of these men on this case," Winders said. "This agency has a good standing record of outstanding joint operations with other agencies."