MEXICAN NATIONAL SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS IN PRISON FOR BRINGING ILLEGAL ALIENS INTO THE UNITED STATES

TUCSON, Ariz. - On May 14, 2012, Berlain Galvez-Lopez, aka “El Chato,” 26, of Chiapas, Mexico, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer G. Zipps to five years in federal prison. Galvez-Lopez was found guilty by a federal jury on February 1, 2012, of three counts of bringing in illegal aliens for commercial advantage or private financial gain.

“I commend the Border Patrol agents who used their training and experience to track this group through the Arizona desert,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ann Birmingham Scheel. “Border safety remains a top priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office and for our law enforcement partners on the front line.”

            “The targeted enforcement efforts of the Casa Grande Station Border Patrol agents, combined with the support of the United States Attorney’s Office is a great example of integration of resources to bring justice to people who are breaking our laws and placing human beings at risk,” stated Chris Clem, Patrol Agent in Charge, Casa Grande Border Patrol Station.

                 In November 2011, Casa Grande Border Patrol agents discovered several footprints after responding to detection technology while patrolling in the desert near North Komelik, Ariz. After following the footprints for several miles, agents encountered a group of four illegal aliens, one of whom was Galvez-Lopez. During the course of the ensuing investigation, agents learned that the other three members of the group had made arrangements with Galvez-Lopez to be smuggled into the United States from Mexico. Each had agreed to pay between $1,800 and $2,800 once they arrived at their final destination in Colorado. The group indicated that Galvez-Lopez assisted them in illegally crossing the international boundary fence by giving them instructions and commands.

The investigation in this case was conducted by United States Border Patrol - Casa Grande Station. The prosecution is being handled by Ryan P. DeJoe, District of Arizona, Tucson.

CASE NUMBER:           CR-11-4096-TUC-JGZ  
RELEASE NUMBER:   2012-119(Galvez-Lopez)

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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/