STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – State Representative Teresa Martinez today recognized Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Gregory Sanders and Jacob Montoya on the Arizona House floor for rescuing an eight-year-old boy from a human trafficking operation in January.

The legislative proclamation, read before members of the Arizona House of Representatives, honors the deputies for their decisive actions during a multi-agency traffic stop that led to the recovery of the child and the arrest of a woman who later admitted she was paid to transport him.

“These deputies trusted their training, asked the right questions, and refused to ignore what didn’t add up,” Representative Martinez said. “Because of their professionalism and courage, a child was removed from danger and protected. This is the kind of work Pinal County deputies do every day to keep our communities safe.”

According to law enforcement, the child was unable to identify the woman transporting him and appeared coached during questioning. Deputies separated the child from the suspect, confirmed he was unharmed, and began efforts to reunite him with his family. The suspect was taken into federal custody, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Following the proclamation presentation, Martinez praised the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office for its role in stopping traffickers and protecting vulnerable children and affirmed that “Arizona will continue to stand with the men and women who confront this evil head-on and protect the most vulnerable.”

Teresa Martinez is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 16, which includes portions of Pinal and Pima Counties. She also serves as Chairman of the House Rural Economic Development Committee. Follow her on X at @TMartinez4AZ