Former Mexican Soldier Sentenced for Transporting Illegal Aliens
ALPINE – A Mexican national was sentenced this week to 115 months in federal prison for illegally re-entering the U.S. and to 60 months for transporting illegal aliens in the U.S.
According to court documents, Juan Luis Mendoza-Iturralde, 39, a former Mexican soldier pleaded guilty to one count of transporting illegal aliens and one count of illegal re-entry into the U.S. On March 30, 2021, a Presidio County Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped Mendoza’s vehicle for a traffic violation. Inside the vehicle were 13 non-citizens. Mendoza admitted he agreed to drive the group into the U.S. in exchange for $500 once he arrived at the group’s destination.
U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Erik P. Breitzke, El Paso Division, made the announcement.
HSI investigated the case with assistance from the Presidio County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Kennedy prosecuted the case.
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