Law enforcement has made a major bust in Vermont as Francisco Alejo-Medrano, 27, a Mexican national with no legal status in the United States, was charged yesterday with unlawfully transporting aliens within the country. Alejo-Medrano appeared before U.S. District Judge Christina Reiss, who ordered his detention pending further proceedings.
The criminal complaint reveals that on May 1st, agents at the Newport Border Patrol station were alerted to a group of individuals entering the United States from Canada on foot near Goodall Farm in Derby Line. After observing six individuals hiding in a wooded area, agents stopped an SUV that arrived to pick them up. Alejo-Medrano was identified as the driver and all seven occupants were arrested. The six passengers are also facing charges for unlawful entry into the United States.
U.S. District Judge Christina Reiss emphasized that the charge against Alejo-Medrano is merely an accusation, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendant could face up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000, determined by federal sentencing guidelines.
The Swanton Sector Border Patrol, responsible for securing land borders in Vermont, New Hampshire, and northeastern New York, commends citizens for their invaluable support in border security efforts. Community members are encouraged to report suspicious activity at 1-800-689-3362.
For more on the mission of the United States Border Patrol, please visit the Border Security section of the CBP website.
Alejo-Medrano is represented by Lisa Shelkrot, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples is handling the prosecution.
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Key Facts
- State: Vermont
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Human Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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