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89 Undocumented Aliens Smuggled in Texas
A Houston-area man and woman are facing federal charges in connection with the attempted smuggling of 89 undocumented aliens in a tractor-trailer, authorities announced Thursday.
According to the charges, Marc Anthony Bane, 45, of Porter, and Tara Renee Dillon, 33, of Conroe are set to appear in Laredo federal court on allegations they attempted to smuggle undocumented aliens. The pair allegedly arrived at the Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35 approximately 29 miles north of Laredo in a tractor-trailer early Thursday morning.
It was around 3 a.m. when authorities discovered the 89 undocumented non-U.S. citizens inside the trailer, who were reportedly sweating profusely despite the early morning hour. The charges allege law enforcement searched the vehicle after a service K-9 detected an odor within the trailer.
Prosecutors claim that Bane allegedly expected to be paid $1,000 for transporting the trailer.
If convicted, Bane and Dillon face up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine, according to the charges. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of Border Patrol.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Fawcett is prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers and consequences of human trafficking in our country. As a community, we must remain vigilant in our efforts to combat this heinous crime.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Human Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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