Jason M. Frierson U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada
A father and son from Reno have been charged in connection with a human smuggling conspiracy. Carlos Recinos-Valdez, 43, and his son Kevin Recinos-Ruano, 20, appeared in court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carla L. Baldwin on Tuesday.
Acting United States Attorney Sue Fahami for the District of Nevada commented on the charges: “The criminal complaint alleges the father and son conspired to exploit vulnerable individuals for profit.” She emphasized the threat that human smuggling operations pose to national security and affirmed the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to collaborate with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and local law enforcement in such cases.
Lester R. Hayes Jr., acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Las Vegas, highlighted the importance of intelligence-driven investigations: "A collaborative operation of this scale demonstrates the importance of intelligence-driven investigations, followed by coordinated law enforcement action."
The complaint outlines that since July 2021, Recinos-Valdez allegedly orchestrated a scheme through a Transnational Criminal Organization (TCO) to smuggle illegal aliens into the United States from Guatemala and Mexico. He reportedly housed them in apartment complexes around Reno and charged substantial fees for their entry into the country.
According to allegations, Recinos-Valdez demanded payments from these individuals once they arrived in Reno to settle their debts with the TCO. Threats of physical violence were used against those who failed to pay. His son assisted by collecting payments and enforcing demands.
Recinos-Valdez faces several charges including conspiracy to harbor aliens, harboring illegal aliens, and aiding extortion attempts. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison. Recinos-Ruano is charged with conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens with a potential maximum sentence of 10 years if convicted.
The investigation was led by HSI with support from local law enforcement agencies including the Reno Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Keenan is handling prosecution.
It should be noted that a complaint is merely an accusation; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
