McALLEN, Texas – Alma Patricia Soto-Barrera, a 62-year-old woman from Roma, was convicted for the third time of smuggling aliens into the United States, according to U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
The jury reached its decision after deliberating for approximately 90 minutes following a three-day trial. On Aug. 18, 2022, authorities discovered Soto-Barrera’s vehicle near Roma with a group of undocumented aliens who had crossed the Rio Grande River. The back seat was found to be dirty and covered in mud, while dried footprints were discovered in the trunk.
One of the aliens described how they crossed the river, guided by a cell phone call from someone operating a drone overhead. The group was told to hide in a boat until instructed to run to Soto-Barrera’s vehicle.
When law enforcement arrived, Soto-Barrera is said to have screamed at the undocumented aliens to exit her vehicle. Despite her claims of innocence and being in the wrong place at the wrong time, the jury found her guilty as charged.
Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa presided over the trial and has set sentencing for April 27. Soto-Barrera faces up to 10 years in prison and a possible $250,000 fine.
She remains in custody pending the sentencing hearing. The investigation was conducted by Border Patrol, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lee Fry and Alexa Parcell handling the prosecution of the case.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Human Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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