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Press Release

Houston Woman Convicted In Alien Smuggling That Resulted In Death

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Texas

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Karin Yamilec Aguilar-Melgor, 22, of Houston, has admitted to smuggling of a group of nine illegal aliens that left one deceased, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson.

According to documents filed of record in the case, on Feb. 25, 2014, at approximately 3:30 a.m., Border Patrol (BP) agents observed individuals getting into a red Ford pickup truck on a Farm to Market Road near Falfurrias. Finding the activity suspicious, BP agents activated their emergency equipment and approached the vehicle. The vehicle then fled the area.

BP agents remained at the scene and apprehended one illegal alien. The pickup truck was located approximately five miles away, which had crashed into a tree on FM 2191 near Falfurrias. At the scene, eight more illegal aliens were discovered as well as Aguilar-Melgor, the driver.

One of the illegal aliens subsequently died due to injuries sustained in the accident. 

Aguilar-Melgor was arrested at the scene and has remained in custody since that time.

U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos, who accepted the guilty plea, has set sentencing for Oct. 1, 2014. At that time, Aguilar-Melgor faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey S. Miller is prosecuting.

Updated April 30, 2015