LAREDO, Texas - A Mexican man has pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge for his role in an alien transporting event which resulted in the deaths in three persons, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
Omar Gonzalez-Herrera, 25, of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, admitted during this re-arraignment today that he was hoping to be paid $1,500 in exchange for guiding a group of 14 persons across the Rio Grande River and into the United States.
Gonzalez-Herrera was originally arrested Aug. 2, 2017, upon the filing of a criminal complaint. On that date, Border Patrol (BP) agents in Laredo encountered footprints near the riverbanks of the Rio Grande River. After following the foot signs, agents encountered a group of 14 people who were all undocumented aliens.
The investigation led to the discovery that three people were swept away by the river current and ultimately died. One of the victims was a five-year-old boy.
Sentencing will be set at a later date before U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana. At that time, Gonzalez-Herrera faces up to life in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine. He will remain in custody pending sentencing.
BP and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher A. dos Santos is prosecuting the case.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
