Adult masquerading as minor to illegally enter the country found guilty

HOUSTON – A 21-year-old Guatemalan national has been convicted for making false statements in a juvenile immigration case, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

The jury deliberated for just under one hour before convicting Tadeo Pedro-Torres following a three-day trial.

On Oct. 26, 2024, Pedro-Torres claimed he was a 16-year-old unaccompanied minor as he attempted to enter the country near El Paso.

The Department of Health and Human Services provides care for each unaccompanied alien child who has no lawful immigration status in the United States for whom there is no parent or legal guardian in the country with the ability to do so. As such, Pedro-Torres was placed in a facility charged with the housing and care for unaccompanied alien children.

At trial, the jury heard that Pedro-Torres identified himself to law enforcement as a minor with a November 2007 birthdate. Later investigation revealed that Pedro-Torres was actually born in 2003.  

The jury additionally heard that while at the facility, Pedro-Torres received services and attended school alongside minors, with whom he also resided.

The defense attempted to convince the jury Pedro-Torres was confused and never lied. The jury did not believe these arguments and found Pedro-Torres guilty as charged.

U.S. District Judge Sim Lake presided over the trial and set sentencing for Dec. 19. At that time, Torres faces up to five years federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

He will remain in custody pending that hearing.

Immigration Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carrie Law and Celia Moyer are prosecuting the case.