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Defendant Faces Life in Prison for Role in Alien Smuggling Ring
HOUSTON, TEXAS
A Houston federal jury has delivered a guilty verdict in the high-profile alien smuggling case of Demi Mishel Muniz, 38, of Los Angeles, California. The conviction stems from the death of a 38-year-old illegal alien from Mexico, who was being transported from Houston to Los Angeles in August 2010.
According to testimony presented during the three-day trial, Muniz and her co-conspirators were involved in a lucrative alien smuggling operation. The deceased, a diabetic, was being transported in a van with several others when he fell ill. Despite pleas from his wife to take him to a hospital, Muniz and her cohorts refused, claiming they had to keep moving to avoid detection.
Investigators discovered that Muniz had obtained approximately $84,000 in smuggling fees from the deceased’s wife, which were deposited into a bank account in her name. The jury found that Muniz knew the aliens were illegal and had lied about her involvement in the smuggling operation.
During her testimony, Muniz admitted to being in the van with the deceased but denied knowing he was diabetic and required insulin. However, the jury rejected her claims, finding her guilty of conspiracy to transport and harbor aliens resulting in the death of the Mexican national.
The case was investigated by the Oldham County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Rangers, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie Searle and Douglas Davis prosecuted the case.
Muniz is scheduled to be sentenced on May 14, 2013, and faces up to life in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. The verdict serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by alien smuggling operations and the importance of holding those responsible accountable for their crimes.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Human Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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