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San Antonio Woman Sentenced to 14 Years for Smuggling Migrants as Fake Lawyer
A San Antonio woman has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for smuggling migrants into the United States by posing as a legal advocate. Kimberly Cruz, 35, was convicted of one count of wire fraud and ordered to pay $9,900 in restitution and forfeit more than $271,000.
According to court documents, Cruz orchestrated a scheme in which she convinced multiple migrants and their families that she was an attorney, collecting identity documents and depositing $275,911 into her personal accounts. Using the documents, Cruz misrepresented herself to officers at the Eagle Pass Point of Entry, allowing the migrants to enter the U.S. for 24 to 48 hours for humanitarian paroles.
Cruz then transported the migrants to San Antonio, where she would deliver them to family members or drop them off at the airport or a bus station. The scheme was uncovered in October 2019, and Cruz was arrested. She pleaded guilty to wire fraud in October 2021.
“This defendant falsely represented herself in order to take advantage of our country’s immigration procedures while putting at risk the lives of more than 95 migrants,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “I am grateful for the diligent efforts of Homeland Security Investigations in uncovering Cruz’s extensive criminal conduct, and I assure you that my office stands ready to work with all our law enforcement partners to prosecute those who attempt to circumvent the law.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Banister prosecuted the case, and HSI investigated the scheme. Cruz will serve 168 months in federal prison, a sentence that reflects the severity of her crimes. The case is a stark reminder that those who impersonate legal advocates to exploit others for personal gain will be held accountable.
HSI Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee noted, “The message is clear — have no doubt. Individuals who impersonate a legal advocate to exploit others for their own personal gain, will be held accountable for their crimes.”
The case is a significant victory for law enforcement and a testament to the importance of working together to protect vulnerable individuals and communities. As the U.S. Attorney’s office continues to prosecute those who seek to exploit our immigration system, the public can rest assured that those who engage in such activities will face the full force of the law.
Cruz’s sentence is a reminder that smuggling migrants is a serious crime with severe consequences. Those who engage in such activities will be brought to justice, and those who are caught will face significant prison time and financial penalties.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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