Four Charged with Human Smuggling and Illegal Entry Offenses

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Fabian Ronald Reyes-Lopez, 36, of Ecuador, Kelbys Josefina Velazquez-Guitierrez, 43, of Puerto Ordoz, Venezuela, Solanger Almonte-Lopez, 39, of Cieza, Spain, and David Christopher Burke, 43, of Piltown, Ireland, have been charged by criminal complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Vermont. Reyes-Lopez and Velazquez-Gutierrez have been charged with attempting to transport illegal aliens in furtherance of their entry into the United States, a felony charge. Almonte-Lopez and Burke have been charged with being aliens who illegally entered the United States, a misdemeanor charge.

On December 10, 2025, all the defendants appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, who ordered that Velazquez-Gutierrez and Almonte-Lopez be detained during the pendency of this matter. Judge Doyle ordered that Reyes-Lopez be released on conditions. Burke plead guilty to the charged offense immediately after his initial appearance.

According to court records, Almonte-Lopez and Burke crossed into the United States from Canada late at night on December 8 near Franklin, Vermont with the assistance of two other unidentified people. Reyes-Lopez and Velazquez-Gutierrez were waiting in a car to pick up Almonte-Lopez and Burke. United States Border Patrol agents detected the crossing and took all the defendants into custody.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Reyes-Lopez, Velazquez-Gutierrez, and Almonte-Lopez are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. As mentioned above, Burke plead guilty the same day of his initial appearance, and received a sentence of time served. Reyes-Lopez and Velazquez-Gutierrez face up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Almonte-Lopez faces up to 6 months in prison if convicted.  The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Border Patrol.

The prosecutor is Special Assistant United States Attorney Charles W. Kirkham. Reyes-Lopez is represented by Devin T. McKnight, Esq. Velazquez-Gutierrez is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Charles N. Curlett, Jr. Almonte-Lopez is represented by Chandler W. Matson, Esq. Burke was represented by Karen R. Shingler, Esq.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.