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Onion Smuggling Scheme Crumbles for Texas Man
A 45-year-old Pharr resident has been brought to justice after admitting to hauling not just onions, but 68 people, in a tractor trailer through the Texas border.
Leonardo Davila Sr. pleaded guilty to illegally transporting undocumented aliens within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
According to court documents, Davila drove an 18-wheeler containing pallets of onions into the Border Patrol checkpoint near Falfurrias on May 4, 2021. A K-9 unit alerted authorities to the presence of concealed humans, and a search of the trailer revealed the shocking discovery.
The individuals found in the trailer hailed from Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico, Guatemala, and Peru, and were all determined to be in the United States illegally.
Davila, who has been in custody since his arrest, faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine when U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos imposes sentencing on October 13.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Overman is prosecuting the case.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers and risks associated with human smuggling, and the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat this illicit activity.
The Grimy Times will continue to provide updates on this case as more information becomes available.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Human Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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