The migrants, hailing from Mexico, Guatemala, and Colombia, paid the organization to assist them in their illegal journey to and within the United States. The organization employed drivers who would pick up the migrants near the U.S.-Mexico border and transport them deeper into the country, often hiding them in various unconventional ways such as suitcases, pickup trucks, water tankers, and wooden crates.
A Texan woman has pleaded guilty for her involvement in a scheme to transport hundreds of foreign nationals illegally within the United States. Erminia Serrano Piedra, also known as Irma and Boss Lady, was the mastermind behind a human smuggling organization that not only facilitated the unlawful transportation of migrants but also harbored and concealed them from law enforcement.
The migrants, hailing from Mexico, Guatemala, and Colombia, paid the organization to assist them in their illegal journey to and within the United States. The organization employed drivers who would pick up the migrants near the U.S.-Mexico border and transport them deeper into the country, often hiding them in various unconventional ways such as suitcases, pickup trucks, water tankers, and wooden crates.
The organization's transportation methods endangered the lives of migrants, subjecting them to cramped and poorly ventilated spaces that became dangerously hot. Additionally, they were driven at high speeds without any safety measures in place. Shockingly, the organization referred to these vulnerable individuals as "boxes," "packages," or "pieces."
Typically, migrants paid around $8,000 to the organization, with $3,000 given upfront to smugglers in Mexico. The remaining amount was paid once they entered the United States. The money was funneled through various accounts across the country before reaching the organization's leaders.
In her plea agreement, Serrano Piedra confessed to boasting about the substantial profits she made from human smuggling and her plans to continue earning money in the future. She even mentioned that she had been involved in this illicit activity for a significant portion of her life and had no intentions of retiring.
Piedra has admitted guilt in a conspiracy to hide the origins and control of illegally obtained funds from human smuggling. The organization's leaders enlisted individuals to receive the proceeds in their bank accounts and then transferred the money to themselves under the guise of work payments.
They also set up businesses and accounts to move the funds. Construction industry workers were recruited to accept cash in exchange for checks from their business accounts, which were derived from human smuggling.
Serrano has agreed to forfeit two properties worth $2,275,000 and $515,000, which were purchased with the illicit proceeds, along with a money judgment of $942,537.00. Serrano Piedra is set to be sentenced on April 10 and could face a maximum prison term of 20 years. The final sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge, who will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani, and HSI Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger came together to make a significant announcement. They revealed that ten other defendants involved in the case had pleaded guilty for their roles in the scheme. These guilty pleas demonstrate the commitment of the Justice Department in holding individuals accountable for their actions.
Among those who pleaded guilty were Kevin Daniel Nuber, also known as Captain, and Laura Nuber, also known as Barbie. They admitted to conspiracy charges related to transporting aliens and endangering lives, as well as conspiring to harbor aliens for personal gain. Additionally, Christine Dangler, Lloyd Bexley, Jeremy Dickens, Juan Manuel Hernandez Cordova, David Scott Tallant, Katie Ann Garcia, and Abraham Geber Lopez pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges involving the transportation and movement of aliens, endangering lives in the process. Oliveria Campuzano Piedra pleaded guilty to conspiracy to profit from harboring an alien.
These defendants now await their sentencing, which will determine the consequences of their actions. The indictments and convictions of these individuals are the direct result of the collaborative efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA).
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland established JTFA in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to combat the increasing and dangerous smuggling activities originating from Central America and affecting our border communities. This joint effort aims to protect our borders and ensure the safety of our communities.
Thank You For Your Time
DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Steven Wick Blog. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.
If you decide to purchase any item using our authorized referral/affiliate links, be aware, we may receive a portion of the sales as commission, i.e. if you purchase a product/service.
To shop, select or click buttons, links or images, you will be redirected to product pages. Please, carefully research before you purchase. Feel free to share and leave a comment, we would love to hear from you. Your feedback is very important to us.
For more like this, music, literature, news, fashion, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Steven Wick News Letter.
We here at the Steven Wick Blog are so proud of our work, we’d like to thank you for being a part of our community. However, our mission to share so much from music, literature, lifestyle to fashion is a 24/7 undertaking! We need your help to continue our work. Your financial donation will help us not only keep the lights on, but enable us run many more stories in the future to come. DONATE HERE
Message Of Gratitude
We deeply appreciate your contribution in making our blog the top brand among customers.
Without you as our readers, we wouldn't have achieved this level of success. Your satisfaction is our utmost priority, and we assure you that we will always be a reliable source for your entertainment needs.
Your trust in us is invaluable, and we are grateful for your generous donations as our readers.
A number of you took an extra effort and opted to contribute as monthly donors. By doing so, your generous contribution is multiplied by twelve throughout the year, thereby amplifying the impact you have on our work. Your dedication truly makes a significant change, and we sincerely appreciate your valuable support.
Your support has been instrumental in our brand's success.
Thank you for being with us throughout the past year.
As we continue to grow and enhance our business, we pledge to prioritize your needs and interests.
Best Regards
The Steven Wick Team
Comments