Nikolas Kerest U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont
Juan Carlos Jacinto-Ramos, a Guatemalan citizen, and Qing Zhu from China have been charged with border-related offenses, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont. Jacinto-Ramos is accused of bringing three Chinese nationals into the United States at a location other than an open port of entry. Zhu is charged with illegal entry into the country.
The defendants appeared in court on February 10, 2025, before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Both were ordered detained during their prosecutions. Zhu's detention also serves because he is a material witness against Jacinto-Ramos.
Court records indicate that on February 9, U.S. Border Patrol agents discovered fresh footprints in the snow near Ayers Hill Road in Berkshire, Vermont, close to the U.S.-Canada border. The footprints led agents to Zhu and two other Chinese nationals—a woman and a child—who were cold and dehydrated in rugged terrain. They were identified as a family unit.
Agents also pursued another individual seen running from the area where they found the three Chinese nationals. This person was later identified as Jacinto-Ramos after being tracked for about three hours through harsh conditions.
All individuals involved were determined to be illegally present in the United States. Investigations revealed that Jacinto-Ramos had guided Zhu and his family across the border but then left them behind.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office stressed that these charges are allegations and that both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, Jacinto-Ramos could face up to 10 years in prison while Zhu could face up to six months; actual sentences will be determined by statutory guidelines.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher praised the efforts of Border Patrol agents involved in this case.
Assistant United States Attorney Mathew Lasher is prosecuting this case. Jason Sawyer represents Jacinto-Ramos, while Robert Behrens represents Zhu.
