PECOS - Yesterday a federal jury in Pecos convicted an Oklahoma woman for her role in transporting undocumented noncitizens following a two-day trial.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Francesca Jo Ryan, 24, and co-defendant, David Alvarado-Rios, 32, of Mexico, were both charged with one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and one count of transportation of illegal aliens in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324.
During trial, Ryan attempted to convince the jury she had no knowledge or involvement in the crime. The jury found her guilty on both counts.
Ryan faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the conspiracy to transport charge and a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the transportation charge. Ryan is scheduled for sentencing on April 26, 2022.
On Dec. 17, 2021, Alvarado pleaded guilty to transportation of illegal aliens. He is scheduled for sentencing on March 29, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden made the announcement.
The HSI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Weber and Scott V. Greenbaum are prosecuting the case.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
