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Defendant Sentenced to 14 Years for Deadly Alien Smuggling Operation
DEL RIO, Texas – In a devastating blow to human traffickers, Jerry Lee Anderson, 29, of Spring, and Orlin Wilfredo Padilla-Murillo, 25, an illegal alien from Honduras, were sentenced to a total of over 29 years in federal prison this week for their roles in a smuggling operation that resulted in the deaths of two illegal aliens.
According to court documents, in October 2022, a multi-agency law enforcement investigation began following a failed smuggling event that resulted in a single vehicle crash and the deaths of a load driver and two illegal aliens, along with the serious injury of two additional illegal aliens.
The four illegal aliens were confirmed to be from Mexico. Alien smuggling organization (ASO) member Michael Demond Kennedy was the front-seat passenger in the vehicle during the crash.
ICE Homeland Security Investigations agents out of Del Rio led the investigation and identified Padilla-Murillo and Anderson as co-conspirators. Phone numbers belonging to Padilla-Murillo and Anderson were found on the phones of several co-conspirators who participated in failed smuggling events.
Prosecutors revealed that Padilla-Murillo and Anderson were paid a substantial sum for their roles in the smuggling operation. Padilla-Murillo stated his sole job was to recruit load drivers to pick up illegal aliens at the border and that he was paid $3,500 per illegal alien transported from Eagle Pass to Houston, splitting the money with Anderson and the load driver.
Chief U.S. District Judge Alia Moses sentenced Anderson to 168 months in federal prison, while Padilla-Murillo received 188 months in federal prison. Michael Demond Kennedy was previously sentenced to 87 months in federal prison with credit for time served since March 28, 2023.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett Miner prosecuted the case. The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The investigation was led by ICE HSI agents out of Del Rio. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of human trafficking and the importance of holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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