A federal jury in San Antonio has convicted 33-year-old Joshua Lee Balderas of La Pryor, Texas, on three counts related to human smuggling.
The group was initially transported from La Pryor to San Antonio, where they were held captive in hotel rooms and ransomed to their families for thousands of dollars each.
One of the migrant victims’ family members was forced to pay $7,000 for her release.
Balderas and one of his co-conspirators frequently brandished guns in the hotel rooms to ensure compliance from the migrants.
The jury found Balderas guilty of one count of conspiracy to kidnap and two counts related to harboring illegal aliens causing serious bodily injury and placing the life of a person in jeopardy.
Balderas’ actions were met with extreme violence and exploitation.
One of the migrant victims was sexually assaulted by Balderas during their captivity.
The victims were forced to endure inhumane conditions, with their lives being put in jeopardy by the constant presence of firearms.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza announced the conviction, stating that the prosecution would continue to pursue those involved in human smuggling and related crimes.
Homeland Security Investigations and the San Antonio Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda Brown and Adrian Rosales are prosecuting the case.
Balderas is scheduled to be sentenced in February 2025.
He faces up to 20 years in prison for each of the harboring charges and up to life in prison for the kidnapping charge.
The victims and their families have been left scarred by the ordeal, and it is only fitting that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
The conviction of Joshua Lee Balderas sends a strong message that human smuggling will not be tolerated in our communities.
As the trial continues, it is essential to remember the gravity of the crimes committed by Balderas and his co-conspirators.
The lives of the migrant victims were put in jeopardy, and their families were forced to endure the trauma of being held for ransom.
It is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of human smuggling.
Related Federal Cases
- Marco Antonio Nava Jr, Human Smuggling, Texas 2024 · Texas
- Adan Hernandez-Nunez, Human Smuggling for Rape, Texas 2016 · Texas
- Joseph Edmond Cleveland, Human Smuggling, Texas 2024 · Texas
- Reynaldo Lerma-Pichardo, Human Smuggling and Hostage Taking, Texas 2017 · Texas
- Galdino Jose Ruiz-Hernandez, Human Smuggling, Texas 2017 · Texas
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Human Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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