Roger B. Handberg, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida
Angel Ramon Lopez-Hernandez, a 36-year-old Mexican citizen, has pleaded guilty to charges related to the illegal transportation of undocumented aliens within the United States. This announcement was made by United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg in Jacksonville, Florida. Lopez-Hernandez faces a potential maximum sentence of five years in federal prison, though no sentencing date has been set.
The case against Lopez-Hernandez began on December 11, 2024, when he was stopped by a Florida Highway Patrol trooper while driving a Ford Explorer on I-75 in Columbia County. The vehicle contained four passengers who, along with Lopez-Hernandez, did not appear to speak English. The trooper suspected that they were unlawfully present in the country and contacted U.S. Border Patrol agents for assistance.
Upon questioning at the scene, Lopez-Hernandez and two passengers admitted they were Mexican citizens illegally residing in the United States. Further investigation revealed that since purchasing the vehicle on September 22, 2022—with an initial mileage of 158,016—it had been driven over 9,000 miles per month up to its current reading of 401,996 miles.
Lopez-Hernandez later confessed during questioning that he was paid to transport these individuals and acknowledged having previously transported undocumented aliens from North Carolina to Florida. The passengers confirmed their illegal entry into the U.S., stating they had paid for help crossing the Mexican border and expected employment opportunities upon reaching Florida.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol alongside the Florida Highway Patrol and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier.
