LAREDO, Texas - A 28-year-old Laredo resident has been detained on charges of transporting an undocumented alien, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Adrian Zavala is the third young Laredoan to face charges in similar incidents that occurred in just one week.
He waived his preliminary examination and detention hearing today and will now remain in custody pending further criminal proceedings.
The criminal complaint alleges that on Aug. 5, law enforcement attempted make a traffic stop for driving on an improved shoulder when prohibited. According to the charges, the vehicle failed to yield and attempted to flee. Law enforcement observed the vehicle veer off the road and roll over several times. Several people were ejected from the vehicle during the crash, according to the charges.
According to the complaint, there were a total of 12 people inside the vehicle, including Zavala. The other 11 were determined to be undocumented aliens, the complaint alleges.
If convicted of transporting an undocumented alien, Zavala faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney April Ayers-Perez is prosecuting the case.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
