A 60 year old Florida trucker is held on federal felony charges in connection with the illegal immigrants who were found in a sweltering trailer parked behind a southwest side Walmart today, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
James Matthew Bradley Jr. of Clearwater is expected to be formally charged on Monday.. He was arrested at the scene and is held in federal custody.
The US Attorney's office says 39 people were discovered inside the un air conditioned trailer..
Eight were dead when officials arrived, and federal officials confirm to 1200 WOAI news that a ninth victim died in the hospital.. All of the dead are adult men.
Officials say twenty people remain hospitalized in critical condition.. The others are being treated for less serious injuries.
Officials say this is a case of human trafficking, and more suspects are being sought.