E. Martin Estrada, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California
An illegal immigrant from Guatemala has been apprehended in Los Angeles on charges of leading a significant human smuggling organization, according to the Justice Department. The indictment alleges that Eduardo Domingo Renoj-Matul, known as "Turko," was at the helm of a smuggling ring responsible for moving approximately 20,000 individuals from Guatemala into the United States over five years. This operation reportedly included holding some immigrants hostage and resulted in seven deaths, including a young child, due to a car accident in Oklahoma in November 2023.
Renoj-Matul, aged 51, was arrested alongside Cristobal Mejia-Chaj, his alleged accomplice. Both men were arraigned and are scheduled for trial on April 22. They remain jailed without bond following a federal magistrate judge's order.
The indictment also names Helmer Obispo-Hernandez and Jose Paxtor-Oxlaj as part of the organization. While Obispo-Hernandez remains at large, Paxtor-Oxlaj is incarcerated due to his involvement in the fatal car accident mentioned earlier.
All four defendants face charges of conspiracy related to smuggling and harboring aliens for financial gain. Additional charges include hostage-taking against Renoj-Matul and Mejia-Chaj. Meanwhile, Obispo-Hernandez faces further accusations of threatening law enforcement officers.
“These smuggling organizations have no regard for human life and their conduct kills,” stated Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally. He emphasized the importance of enforcing immigration laws to dismantle such organizations. John Pasciucco from Homeland Security Investigations echoed these sentiments, highlighting the risks posed by similar groups prioritizing profit over safety.
The Renoj-Matul organization is alleged to have specialized in transporting illegal immigrants across the U.S.-Mexico border with assistance from Mexican counterparts. Fees between $15,000 and $18,000 were reportedly charged per individual for these services.
The indictment outlines how those unable to pay were detained in stash houses until their debts were settled. Funds generated through these activities were allegedly funneled back to Mexico to cover operational expenses.
A separate federal complaint accuses Obispo-Hernandez of making violent threats against law enforcement following searches conducted at his residence.
Authorities arrested additional individuals linked to this case: Rolando Gomez-Gomez and Juan Lopez Garcia are believed to be lieutenants within Renoj-Matul's network.
Investigations are being conducted by multiple agencies including HSI’s task forces and local police departments. Prosecutors handling this case include Assistant United States Attorneys Shawn J. Nelson, Elia Herrera, and Tara B. Vavere overseeing asset forfeiture matters.
