Violent Mistreatment Of Illegal Aliens Results In 10 Year Sentences For Defendants

PHOENIX – On May 1, 2013, and April 15, 2013, defendants Juan Jose Parra-Labrador, 24, Sergio Sarabia-Sarabia, 25, and Uriel Parra-Lerma, 25, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge James A. Teilborgto 10 years in prison for their roles in holding 21 illegal aliens hostage in January 2012, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens.  Judge Teilborg also sentenced co-defendant Felipe Sarabia-Labrador, 43, to 9 years and 1 month in prison.  All of the defendants were in the United States illegally from Mexico. 

Three of the defendants were sentenced to the statutory maximum of 10 years. Defendants admitted that during the course of the conspiracy, the illegal aliens at the human stash house were abused. One victim was hung in a closet by his wrists and ankles, others were beaten in the face and groin, whipped and bound with cable cords, poked with knives, threatened with guns, and forced to urinate in a bucket.

Judge Teilborg stated that these defendants “dehumanized their victims” and attempted to profit from “trafficking in human misery.”

U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo said, “Our office will vigorously prosecute those who prey upon vulnerable victims in our community.  These prison sentences should make clear that we will not tolerate violence and exploitation by human smuggling organizations.” 

Additionally, Aaron Aparicio-Ramirez, 30, was sentenced by Judge Teilborg to 18 months for his role in transporting illegal aliens to and from the stash house.

The investigation in this case was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Department of Homeland Security.  The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Kristen Brook and Lisa Jennis Settel of District of Arizona, Phoenix.

CASE NUMBER:            CR-12-00417-PHX-JAT
RELEASE NUMBER:     2013-036_Parra-Labrador_etal

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