Alejandro Javier Martinez-Pedraza, Marijuana Trafficking, Texas 2012

Defendants Crashes Into Border Patrol Unit, Suffers Consequences

In a shocking turn of events, Alejandro Javier Martinez-Pedraza, 19, and Osvaldo Javier Silva-Hernandez, 19, both Mexican nationals who were illegally present in the United States, have been ordered to prison following convictions for possession with intent to distribute 662 kilograms of marijuana.

On April 27, 2012, both pleaded guilty to transporting 662 kilograms of marijuana north from the Rio Grande River near Abram. Martinez admitted he helped cross the marijuana from Mexico and helped load it into a truck driven by Silva. As Silva drove the marijuana-laden vehicle, he tried to flee from law enforcement and crashed into one Border Patrol Unit, totaling the vehicle. Luckily, the agents in the unit suffered only minor injuries.

Today, U.S. District Judge Hayden Head sentenced Silva, the driver, to a 135-month sentence. He will also be required to serve a term of five years of supervised release following completion of the prison term. After testimony from the Border Patrol agents, Judge Head found Silva intentionally crashed into the Border Patrol Unit and enhanced Silva's sentence because of the violent conduct.

Meanwhile, Judge Head sentenced Martinez to an 84-month sentence. He will also be required to serve a term of five years of supervised release following completion of the prison term. Judge Head enhanced his sentence because Martinez crossed into the United States from Mexico with the intent to commit this drug trafficking offense.

Both have been in custody where they will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The case was investigated by Border Patrol, FBI, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Kristen Rees prosecuted the case.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officials who risk their lives to protect our borders. We commend the bravery of the Border Patrol agents involved in this incident and the U.S. Attorney's Office for their tireless efforts in bringing these defendants to justice.

As the Grimy Times continues to investigate this incident, we urge our readers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. The safety of our communities depends on it.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/drug-smuggler-sentenced-more-10-years-hitting-border-patrol-unit