Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A jury in Corpus Christi has found Alberto Chavez Jr., a 28-year-old resident of Sullivan City, guilty on two counts of transporting illegal aliens within the United States. The verdict was announced by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei after less than 45 minutes of deliberation following a one-day trial.
The case involved an incident from November 2, 2024, when Chavez arrived at the Border Patrol checkpoint in Falfurrias with two passengers. Chavez claimed they were his cousins traveling north to find work. However, it was revealed that the passengers were Honduran citizens illegally present in the U.S., and not related to Chavez.
Testimonies during the trial disclosed that the two men had crossed the Rio Grande River about a month before being picked up by Chavez. They stayed in stash houses until their pickup the night before reaching the checkpoint. Evidence showed that Chavez bought them clothes to appear more "American" and coached them on what to say at the checkpoint, fully aware of their illegal status.
"Our Corpus Christi office has secured yet another guilty verdict against a smuggler of illegal aliens," stated Ganjei. He warned against attempts to deceive or bypass Border Patrol checkpoints, emphasizing potential prison sentences for such actions.
The defense argued that Chavez merely offered a ride to the individuals, but this claim did not sway the jury, leading to his conviction.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales presided over the trial and scheduled sentencing for June 18. Chavez could face up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. Following his conviction, he was taken into custody pending sentencing after previously being released on bond.
The investigation was conducted by Border Patrol agents, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Griffith and Zachary Bird prosecuting the case.
