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Laredo Man Sentenced for Alien Smuggling Ring
Manuel Capetillo, 27, of Poteet, Texas, has been sentenced to 85 months in federal prison for his role in an extensive alien smuggling conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Capetillo pleaded guilty on February 4, along with his co-defendant Michael Diaz, 31, of Laredo, who received a 70-month sentence. Both men were also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following their sentences. Diaz was further ordered to pay a $10,000 special assessment.
The investigation revealed that Capetillo and Diaz operated stash houses in Laredo and Poteet, respectively. Over several months, Capetillo recruited drivers, scouts, and caretakers to bring aliens in from countries in Central America and transport them throughout the southern and central areas of Texas.
Capetillo negotiated prices with Mexican smugglers on how much and to whom would be paid for aliens illegally crossing into the United States. He also negotiated with Mexican nationals to provide weapons for the wars taking place in Monterrey, Mexico, and importing drugs into the United States.
Diaz worked in close connection with Capetillo to rent a yard in Laredo and load aliens into inoperable vehicles, place them on top of tow trucks, and smuggle them to Capetillo’s Poteet stash house in the Southern Texas heat. Capetillo paid Diaz for his role in the conspiracy.
Capetillo was previously released on bond but was taken into custody following the sentencing, where he will remain pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Diaz has been and will remain in custody.
The investigation was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations, Border Patrol, and Customs and Border Protection, with the assistance of police departments in Laredo and Poteet. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tory Sailer prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the federal government to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Defendant: Manuel Capetillo
Criminal Charges: Alien Smuggling Conspiracy
City and State: Laredo, Texas
Exact Date: February 4, 2024 (plea), March 4, 2024 (Diaz plea), March 2024 (sentencing)
Sentence or Outcome: 85 months in federal prison for Capetillo, 70 months for Diaz; three years of supervised release; $10,000 special assessment for Diaz
Dollar Amounts: $50,000 (cash payments to Capetillo and Diaz), $10,000 (special assessment for Diaz)
Source: U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Human Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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