LAREDO, Texas – In a shocking case of human trafficking, a 50-year-old Honduran national has been charged with smuggling four dozen people in a refrigerated tractor-trailer. According to a complaint filed by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei, Greibein Alexis Pinot-Duarte allegedly drove the trailer to the Border Patrol checkpoint near Freer, where authorities noticed his nervous behavior.
A K-9 unit at the checkpoint alerted to the presence of humans or narcotics at the rear doors of the trailer. A subsequent search revealed 51 illegal aliens, including two juveniles, concealed in a cramped, hidden compartment under the boxes of produce. The temperature inside the trailer was a chilling 55 degrees, and many of the migrants did not have jackets or means to stay warm.
The compartment was small, allowing only one person to exit at a time, and each produce box weighed approximately 30-40 pounds, making escape impossible. The migrants complained of numbed or cramped limbs due to the tight space.
This is a horrific example of the dangers faced by those attempting to cross our borders," said U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. "We will continue to work tirelessly to bring those responsible for these crimes to justice.
If convicted, Pinot-Duarte faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew P. Hakala-Finch is prosecuting the case.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the government to repel the invasion of illegal immigration and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
This is a serious offense, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that those responsible are held accountable," said a spokesperson for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Human Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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