LAREDO, Texas - A federal jury has convicted Jaime Gerardo Serrano-Villegas, 28, of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, of transporting illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson. The verdict was returned following a two-day trial and less than two hours of deliberation.
According to testimony, Serrano-Villegas assisted other persons in moving a boat filled with Mexican Nationals across the Rio Grande River, towards Rio Bravo. Witnesses further described Serrano-Villegas acting as a guide and leading a group of six aliens into Rio Bravo. U.S. Border Patrol agents ultimately discovered seven Mexican Nationals who were subsequently detained. Evidence and testimony revealed that Serrano-Villegas admitted to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) he had acted as a guide in order to make money for his daughter’s dental work.
Serrano-Villegas testified at trial and admitted to illegally entering the United States. However, he denied making any admissions to HSI, acting as a guide or having any involvement in the transportation of undocumented aliens into and through the U.S.
The jury did not believe his claims and found him guilty as charged.
Sentencing will be set at a later date. At that time, Serrano-Villegas faces up to 10 years in federal prison. He will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of U.S. Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher A. dos Santos is prosecutingthe case.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
