Police: No indication of human trafficking at abandoned Tucson camp

TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - Authorities said they have investigated the abandoned camp found in Tucson and there is no evidence it was used for any criminal activity, including human trafficking.

The camp, located near Interstate 19 and Valencia, was discovered Tuesday, May 29, by Veterans on Patrol, a group that looks for and assists homeless veterans.

The group said the camp was suspicious and did not look like a typical homeless camp.

They found several suspicious and disturbing things, like a man made cave, trees with restraints, dirty magazines, child's toys, hair dye and empty electronic boxes.

Tucson News Now toured the area with Craig Sawyer and Jerry Peyton, a former Navy SEAL and Tucson firefighter, to get their thoughts on what this camp might have been.

Sawyer and Peyton said they believe the camp was used by child sex traffickers.

On Monday, June 4, the TPD said it has investigated it thoroughly and it is nothing more than an abandoned homeless camp.

"Officers, detectives and command staff conducted a thorough inspection of the site, spoke to the reporting parties, and collected evidence," the TPD said in a news release. "There is no indication this camp is being used for any type of criminal activity, including human trafficking."

Someone claimed a body might have been buried at the camp site.

A cadaver dog was used to check the area and nothing was found, according to the TPD.

The TPD said the property owner has made it clear no one has permission to be on the property.

The TPD and property owners are working with code enforcement officials to clear out the encampment and secure the property.

"The Tucson Police Department takes all reports of suspected criminal activity seriously and appreciates the public's awareness," the TPD said in the release.