Eagle Pass Man Sentenced To Federal Prison In Bulk Cash Smuggling Scheme

In Del Rio, 63-year-old Jose Luis Aguilar of Eagle Pass, TX, was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison for aiding and abetting bulk cash smuggling announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Armando Fernandez.

In addition to the prison term, United States District Judge Alia Moses ordered that Aguilar pay a $1,000 fine and be placed under supervised release for a period of three years after completing his prison term. On March 27, 2013, Aguilar pleaded guilty to the charge admitting that on January 4, 2011, he and co-defendant, David Gelacio, brought a total of $13,000 in U.S. Currency from Mexico through the Eagle Pass Port of Entry without declaring it to federal authorities. Aguilar also admitted that the money represented proceeds from the sale of a truck owned by a former Maverick County commissioner.

On July 8, 2013, Gelacio was sentenced to one year in federal prison with credit for time served followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the same charge.

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Galdo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.