Scottsdale school worker faces federal smuggling charges
SUSD Art Director Allegedly Tried to Make $12,000 Smuggling People to Phoenix
Scottsdale Unified School District is dealing with yet another headache, and this one has nothing to do with budget cuts or school closures.
Victor Michael Bobbett, the district's art director, has resigned after being arrested on federal human smuggling charges. According to court documents, Tohono O'odham police pulled Bobbett over on January 28 on State Route 86 near Sells for moving violations in an area well known as a human smuggling corridor.
When Border Patrol agents searched his vehicle, they found water bottles and blankets in the cargo area, telltale signs of smuggling activity. His phone allegedly contained pinned locations and directions consistent with smuggling routes. After waiving his Miranda rights, Bobbett reportedly admitted he was there to pick up four undocumented individuals and transport them to Phoenix. The alleged payday was $3,000 per person, totaling $12,000.
Here is where it gets especially wild. Court documents reveal Bobbett allegedly got the idea after seeing someone flashing cash on Snapchat. He messaged that person, learned they needed drivers, and the conversation moved to WhatsApp. Bobbett then drove from Phoenix to a grocery store near Interstate 19, received a pin location for the pickup, and reportedly got lost driving in circles on remote roads before police stopped him.
At Tuesday's board meeting, the decision to accept Bobbett's resignation sparked debate. Board member Amy Carney argued termination was more appropriate, but outside counsel advised that accepting the resignation was the fastest way to sever the district's relationship with him. The board voted to accept, with Carney voting against and Carine Werner abstaining.
SUSD says Bobbett had a clean background check and fingerprint clearance card when he was hired in 2018. The district is cooperating fully with law enforcement.
Sources: KJZZ | AZ Family | 12 News | Arizona Daily Independent