Grimy Times Exclusive
A former Mexican soldier has been sentenced to 175 months in federal prison for his role in a human trafficking ring that smuggled 13 non-citizens into the United States.
Juan Luis Mendoza-Iturralde, 39, pleaded guilty to one count of transporting illegal aliens and one count of illegal re-entry into the U.S.
The incident occurred on March 30, 2021, when a Presidio County Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped Mendoza’s vehicle for a traffic violation. Inside the vehicle, authorities found the 13 non-citizens.
Mendoza admitted to authorities that he had agreed to drive the group into the U.S. in exchange for $500 once he arrived at their destination.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with assistance from the Presidio County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Kennedy prosecuted the case, with U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and HSI Special Agent in Charge Erik P. Breitzke, El Paso Division, making the announcement.
Mendoza-Iturralde’s sentence of 115 months for transporting illegal aliens and 60 months for re-entering the U.S. without proper authorization will be served concurrently, resulting in a total of 115 months in prison.
Related Federal Cases
- Army Soldier Joseph Cleveland Jailed for Human Smuggling · Illinois
- Native New Yorker Pleads Guilty in Human Trafficking Conspiracy · New York
- Maria E. Gonzales Munoz Sentenced in Houston Sex Trafficking Case · Texas
- Six Indicted in Child Sex Trafficking Conspiracy – Face Life in Prison if Convicted · Ohio
- Gerald L. Brown Jr. Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking Minors, Adults · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Human Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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