Joel Mazariegos-Soto, Alien Smuggling, Arizona 2014

A Phoenix judge has handed down prison sentences to two Guatemalan nationals for their roles in a lucrative alien smuggling operation.

Joel Mazariegos-Soto, 29, was sentenced to 60 months in federal custody, while his associate Walfre David Perez-Jovel, 34, received 46 months for conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to transport and harbor illegal aliens.

Mazariegos-Soto, described as the leader of the operation, laundered over $70,000 in just four months, using a complex scheme involving bank accounts and stash houses in the Phoenix area. His associates utilized multiple stash houses, including one discovered in October 2012 with 27 illegal aliens and another found in January 2013 with over 40.

The operation was uncovered by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with agents witnessing Perez-Jovel launder more than $16,000 in alien smuggling proceeds. Perez-Jovel not only harbored illegal aliens but also coordinated the transportation of undocumented persons throughout the United States in a reckless and dangerous manner.

The investigation revealed that Mazariegos-Soto operated the illegal business from Fonda, New York, where he also worked on a dairy farm. He was arrested on April 18, 2013, near his residence in Fonda, New York. Perez-Jovel was arrested on June 11, 2013, after fleeing from Mesa, Arizona.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona handled the prosecution, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Brook leading the case.

Mandatory Facts:

Defendant: Joel Mazariegos-Soto
Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to transport and harbor illegal aliens
City and State: Phoenix, Arizona
Date: March 17, 2014 (sentencing)
Sentence: 60 months in federal custody
Dollar Amount: $70,000 (laundered)

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