Jonathan Kyle Price, a 42-year-old resident of Covington, Georgia, has pleaded guilty in Laredo federal court to conspiracy to transport undocumented aliens, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
On February 19, Price arrived at the Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35 approximately 29 miles north of Laredo in a tractor-trailer. However, he drove away before his immigration inspection was complete. Law enforcement pursued and quickly stopped him.
A service K-9 then detected an odor within the trailer. Authorities conducted a thorough inspection and found 117 undocumented aliens.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing on October 25. At that time, Price faces up to 10 years in prison. He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Fawcett is prosecuting the case.
Price’s decision to plead guilty marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and smuggling along the U.S.-Mexico border.
As the case moves forward, the community can expect to see a more in-depth examination of the circumstances surrounding the smuggling operation and the individuals involved.
Related Federal Cases
- Zachery Steven Blizzard Jailed for Smuggling Migrants in Wooden Boxes · Texas
- Hector Escobedo-Reyna Pleads Guilty to Alien Smuggling · Illinois
- Charles Barreras Gets 62 Months in Child Sex-Trafficking Sting · Texas
- Michael Peyton Gunn Convicted in Child Sex Trafficking Horror · Texas
- Southern State’s Immigration Scam Exposed: Labor Secretary’s First Ruling Sparks Controversy · Texas
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Human Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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