Smith County man sentenced to federal prison in human trafficking conspiracy

TYLER, Texas – A Tyler man has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in a human trafficking conspiracy in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Michael Anthony Martinez, 28, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on December 10, 2025.

According to information presented in court, Martinez used a social media account to promise lucrative payment to people who were willing to drive illegal aliens to their destination.  Bank records and text messages between Martinez and those he had recruited verified the criminal conduct.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

This case was investigated by the FBI – Tyler Resident Office and the Tyler Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Farahnak.

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