IMMOKALEE, Fla. -- (AP) -- Three men were arrested on extortion and
slavery charges Wednesday for allegedly smuggling Mexican migrants into the
United States and forcing them to work in southwest Florida tomato fields.

Brothers Abel Cuello Jr. and Brasillo Cuello, both of Immokalee, and Herman
Covarrubias of Bonita Springs were arrested early Wednesday by U.S.
Border Patrol agents working with immigration agents.

Twenty-seven migrant workers were freed during the arrests. Authorities also
were searching for a fourth suspect, whose name was not released.

Harboring illegal aliens is punishable by up to 10 years per immigrant. The
maximum penalty for the other charges is 36 years in prison and a $250,000
fine.
 

                     Copyright 1999 Miami Herald