A shocking case of human trafficking has come to light in Texas, with a 54-year-old man admitting to smuggling 149 undocumented aliens.
Joseph Winslow, a resident of Fort Meade, Florida, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport undocumented aliens in Laredo federal court, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Winslow entered a guilty plea, admitting that he had agreed to drive a tractor-trailer from Laredo to San Antonio in return for $10,000.
On December 30, 2020, Winslow arrived at the Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35 approximately 29 miles north of Laredo. Authorities conducted an X-ray of the trailer he was driving and discovered it was full of people. They ultimately identified a total of 149 undocumented aliens.
Winslow now faces up to 10 years in prison, with U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo set to impose sentencing on June 15. He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The investigation was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Fawcett is prosecuting the case.
In a statement, Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery said, ‘Human trafficking is a heinous crime that exploits the vulnerable and undermines our communities.’
Winslow’s case is a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and cooperation in the fight against human trafficking.
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Human Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Human TraffickingHuman TraffickingHuman TraffickingHuman Trafficking