Second man sentenced for role in carjacking linked to human smuggling

Editor's Note:
This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.   

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 19-year-old Richmond resident has been ordered to federal prison for stealing a car that was later used in an alien smuggling scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Christian Brayden Hardy pleaded guilty Oct. 2, 2024.

U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now ordered Hardy to serve 18 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the seriousness of Hardy’s conduct and the fact that he took a bad situation, alien smuggling, and made it far worse.

Jesus Jonathan Rodriguez had recruited Hardy to help smuggle two aliens from McAllen to San Antonio for $1500. They initially traveled in a truck to pick up the aliens in the Rio Grande Valley, but it had mechanical problems and broke down several times. They then decided to steal an alternate vehicle.

Both men approached the driver of a Ford Fiesta. Hardy struggled with the victim, while Rodriguez brandished a firearm and told him it was not worth losing his life. Hardy then drove off in the stolen vehicle with Rodriguez as passenger.

They picked up the aliens and drove to the Border Patrol checkpoint in Falfurrias. Hardy claimed to be heading to Houston, while Rodriguez displayed nervous behavior and looked in every direction which prompted a referral to secondary inspection.

Law enforcement found two illegal aliens hiding in the trunk. They also discovered the vehicle had been stolen.

Hardy was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Rodriguez, 19, Houston, was sentenced Jan. 8 to 42 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol, Edinburg Police Department and Brooks County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Martin prosecuted the case.