Illegal Alien Admits to Human Smuggling

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A Mexican National illegally in the United States has entered a guilty plea to attempting to smuggle four illegal aliens through the brush which resulted in death, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Sergio Daniel Barba-Rayo, 27, pleaded guilty to conspiring to move an alien illegally in the United States.

Barba-Rayo was guiding a group of illegal aliens around the U.S. Border Patrol (BP) Checkpoint near Falfurrias when law enforcement agents discovered them. Some of the illegal aliens claimed Barba-Rayo was the guide and that a fifth illegal alien was left in the brush after not being able to keep up with the group. Authorities ultimately found the victim whom was already deceased.

Barba-Rayo was arrested at that time. He has been and will remain in custody pending his sentencing, set for Dec. 4, 2018, before U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos. At that time, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Paxton is prosecuting the case.