BROWNSVILLE, Texas – In a shocking turn of events, two 35-year-old residents of Brownsville have been handed down heavy sentences for their roles in the illegal smuggling of aliens. Ofelia Christine Monares and Michael Rosa were sentenced to prison terms after pleading guilty to the crime.
” +
“
The U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced that Monares was sentenced to 40 months, with Rosa receiving a term of 25 months. Both must also serve one additional year of supervised release following their sentences. The severity of their sentences was enhanced due to the risk posed to the lives of the aliens they transported.
” +
“
On February 24th, law enforcement observed a group of suspected illegal aliens walking along a dirt road near the Rio Grande River. They were seen climbing into the trunk of a Nissan Sentra, which then fled at high speeds. Authorities stopped the vehicle at the Highway 4 checkpoint and discovered three Vietnamese nationals in dehydrated condition.
” +
“
Rosa, who was driving, confessed that he had been recruited by Monares and Victor Hugo Medrano-Medrano to transport aliens for a $10,000 fee. Video surveillance showed the white Nissan Titan used in the scheme crossing the checkpoint shortly after Rosa’s arrest.
” +
“
Monares claimed she was to receive $500 for each alien transported, while Medrano-Medrano is set for sentencing in September and remains in custody. Both Monares and Rosa are awaiting transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility.
” +
“
This investigation was conducted by Customs and Border Protection, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel Castro handling the prosecution. The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and protecting communities from criminal organizations.
RELATED: Brownsville duo sentenced for trunk smuggling of aliens
RELATED: Mexican National Juan Francisco Meza-Chavez Sentenced for Child Pornography
Related Federal Cases
- Paxton Slams Illegal Kids ‘Transitioning’ in Texas · Texas
- 28 Kilos & Counting: Texas Duo Busted with Cocaine · North Carolina
- Gutierrez-Carranza Sentenced to 51 Months for Illegal Reentry After Felony Conviction · Oklahoma
- Gar Guy Sentenced for Illegal Alligator Transport · Texas
- Gang Leader Bonilla and Five Accomplices Busted in East Texas Illegal Gambling Ring · Texas
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News