Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A group of five individuals from Laredo has been sentenced for their involvement in alien smuggling, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Jaquon Davis, the last member to be sentenced, pleaded guilty on October 10, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo identified Davis as the leader of the conspiracy and sentenced him to 44 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. During the court proceedings, evidence revealed that Davis had a history of alien smuggling and had recruited several accomplices.
"This case demonstrates the Southern District of Texas’ commitment to stopping the flow of illegal aliens into our country," stated Ganjei. "That means prosecuting not only illegal aliens, but also those who support and help them in breaking our laws."
The incident occurred on March 19, 2024, when Davis, along with four others, used three cars to bypass the I-35 checkpoint north of Laredo. One car served as a scout, while the other two carried a total of 12 illegal aliens. Law enforcement pulled over the vehicles, discovering one alien concealed in a box in a truck bed.
Two of the illegal aliens disclosed their arrangements to be smuggled to Texas cities for a fee. They had crossed the Rio Grande River and stayed at a safe house before being picked up by the group.
The smugglers, led by Davis, stayed at a local motel to coordinate the operation. Davis managed and paid for the hotel accommodations.
The other sentenced individuals include Carlota Herrera, 34, and Ruben Campos, 30, who received sentences of 21 and 37 months, respectively, for transporting the illegal aliens. Bobby Vaughan Hoodye, 40, was sentenced to six months for providing one of the transport vehicles, while Jakhalib Fisher, 21, was sentenced to 33 months for coordinating the smuggling event.
Davis remains in custody, awaiting transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.
The investigation was conducted by Border Patrol, with the case prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan L. Oliver.
