Robert G. Smith, Transporting Undocumented Aliens, Texas 2024

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Texas man has pleaded guilty to transporting illegal aliens within the United States.

Robert G. Smith, 58, of Natalia, Texas, pleaded guilty today, and his cousin, Bromley D. Hackney, 57, of Ashville, Ohio, pleaded guilty in January.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the Criminal Complaint charging Smith, HSI agents received information from the Ohio State Highway Patrol regarding the suspected unlawful transportation of aliens in October 2016.

Smith was interviewed by investigators in June 2017 and told them he would arrange transports, which he did approximately four times per week. He earned at least $2,000 per week coordinating the transactions.

Smith unlawfully transported aliens at least 72 times from 2011 through 2016 and transported four individuals each time. At first, he charged $800 per person and after the first two years increased the cost to $1,000 per person. The total amount of proceeds from the offense was nearly $269,000.

Transportation of an alien within the United States is a federal crime punishable by up to five years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the HSI, Ohio State Highway Patrol and U.S. Border Patrol, as well as Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Prichard, who is the District’s Immigration and Border Security Coordinator and who is representing the United States in this case.

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