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Attempted Human Smuggling Scheme Uncovered in Vermont
A brazen attempt to smuggle individuals without legal status into the United States was foiled near Morses Line, Vermont on October 9, 2022, according to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont.
Angel Hernandez-Pineda, a 32-year-old Honduran national with no immigration status in the United States, and Jhony Cantarero-Vasquez, a 29-year-old resident of Worcester, Massachusetts, appeared in United States District Court in Burlington on a charge that they attempted to transport individuals without legal status within the United States.
Additionally, Federico Rincon-Ramirez, Leydi Rincon-Sosa, and Jairo Alberto Ortiz-Acevedo, all citizens of Mexico and without legal status in the United States, also appeared in court on charges that they unlawfully entered the country.
The U.S. Attorney emphasizes that the charges in the criminal complaints are merely accusations, and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty.
The attempted transportation charge is punishable by up to ten years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. The unlawful entry charge is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months of imprisonment.
Angel Hernandez-Pineda is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Mary Nerino. Cantarero-Vasquez is represented by John-Claude Charbonneau, Esq. Rincon-Ramirez is represented by Chandler Matson, Esq. Rincon-Sosa is represented by Lisa Shelkrot, Esq. Ortiz-Acevedo is represented by Jordana Levine, Esq.
U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest credited the agents of the United States Border Patrol for their continued efforts to prevent the exploitation of foreign nationals by human smuggling organizations.
Hernandez-Pineda is currently being detained pending a further hearing on October 14. Cantarero-Vasquez was released on conditions. The three individuals without legal status are being held pending trial.
Key Facts
- State: Vermont
- Category: Human Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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