Grimy Times has learned that a Texas truck driver has been convicted of transporting undocumented persons. Miguel A. Granadeno, of Carthage, Mo., was found guilty of conspiracy to transport and the transportation of undocumented persons, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson today.
The verdict was returned less than an hour ago following a three-day trial. The jury heard testimony that on April 18, 2013, Granadeno was caught at the I-35 Border Patrol Checkpoint north of Laredo with six undocumented persons hidden in his tractor.
According to court evidence, the undocumented persons were illegally crossed into the United States outside of McAllen and taken to a house where a number of people were staying. On April 18, 2013, the six people were driven from the McAllen area to a Walmart in Laredo where Granadeno met them and hid them in various places throughout his tractor.
He then drove to the checkpoint. The jury heard the details of how Granadeno hid the undocumented persons in his tractor, including stuffing four in a storage compartment under the bed in the sleeper area, one in a small closet above a refrigerator, and the last person in a cavity above the driver’s head.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña will set sentencing at a later date. At that time, Granadeno faces up to 10 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000. Granadeno was taken into custody following the verdict where he will remain pending sentencing.
The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations in conjunction with the U.S. Border Patrol. Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher S. Coker and Elizabeth R. Rabe prosecuted the case.
Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and provide updates on Granadeno’s sentencing. In the meantime, residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Related Federal Cases
- Richard Sanchez, Transporting Undocumented Migrants, Texas 2017 · Illinois
- Tractor-Trailer Trafficking Case: 89 Undocumented Aliens Smuggled in Texas · Ohio
- Thomas Taylor Charlton, Transportation of Undocumented Alien, Corpus Christi, TX, 2022 · Texas
- Demetrio Vallejo, Smuggling Undocumented Aliens, Texas 2013 · Texas
- Marco Antonio Nava Jr, Human Smuggling, Texas 2024 · Mississippi
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Human Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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