Accused smuggler faces criminal charges after deadly car crash

LAREDO, Texas – A federal grand jury has returned a four-count indictment charging a 27-year-old Laredoan for conspiring to transport an undocumented alien resulting in death, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

David Valadaz is expected to appear for his arraignment before a U.S. magistrate judge next week.  

The criminal complaint originally filed in the case alleges that on Nov. 5, law enforcement attempted to stop a Chevrolet Malibu for a traffic violation. Valadaz was allegedly driving.

Instead of complying, he fled at a high rate of speed, according to the charges. Authorities pursued him until he allegedly crashed the vehicle through a fence of a local business. According to the charges, Valadaz attempted to abscond on foot but was quickly apprehended.

The indictment further alleges authorities conducted a search of the vehicle and discovered three people who were all determined to be aliens illegally present in the United States. One allegedly died as a result of injuries sustained during the crash.

He is charged with conspiracy to transport an undocumented alien causing death and three counts of transporting an undocumented alien causing death.

If convicted, he faces up to life in prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney April Ayers-Perez is prosecuting the case. 

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.