Young Laredoan to Appear in Court After Violent Crash

LAREDO, Texas – A 23-year-old has been charged with transporting aliens following a vehicle crash that seriously injured eight, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Authorities arrested Oziel Rodriguez Aug. 2 and made his initial appearance the following Monday. Today, he is set to make his preliminary examination and detention hearing at 10:00 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sam Sheldon.

The criminal complaint alleges that on Aug. 2, law enforcement noticed a sensor alert. Shortly thereafter, they witnessed a vehicle leaving the area, according ot the charges. The vehicle allegedly began to accelerate and eventually struck a median, causing it to rollover. 

According to the complaint, a total of 12 people were in the vehicle at the time of the rollover, including Rodriguez. The other 11 were determined to be undocumented aliens, eight of whom sustained serious bodily injuries, the complaint alleges.

Rodriguez allegedly left the scene of the accident. The complaint alleges that authorities located him and noted injuries to his chest and arm consistent with those caused by a vehicle accident.

If convicted of transporting an undocumented alien causing serious bodily injury, Rodriguez faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. 

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol and the Laredo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney April Ayers-Perez is prosecuting the case.

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