Maria del Carmen Sanchez Potrero, also known as Maria Carmela Sanchez, has been sentenced to 51 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport. The 71-year-old, a citizen of Mexico residing in Hartford, was involved in smuggling individuals from Mexico to the United States and coercing them into forced labor in the Hartford area.
The investigation that led to this sentencing began in September 2022. The FBI and Hartford Police, through interviews with several Mexican nationals, uncovered that these individuals were smuggled into the U.S. via arrangements with Sanchez and her associates in both Connecticut and Mexico. These victims were charged smuggling fees ranging from $15,000 to $20,000 and were required to provide property deeds as collateral before leaving Mexico. Once they crossed the border, they were transported to residences in Hartford, including Sanchez's residence on Madison Street.
Once in Connecticut, the victims were informed they owed approximately $30,000, inclusive of interest, for living costs, and were compelled to continue paying Sanchez and her accomplices. They also received fabricated documents such as Permanent Residence and Social Security cards and were assisted in finding local employment. Conditions imposed on victims included uncompensated labor and threats if payments were not made. These threats included potential harm to relatives in Mexico, confiscation of property used as collateral, or exposure of their immigration status.
Nineteen victims have been identified, including minors and individuals smuggled without guardians. Sanchez has been detained since March 2023 and pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges on October 24, 2024. Beyond her prison sentence, Judge Dooley has mandated Sanchez to pay restitution amounting to $574,608. She will face immigration proceedings upon completing her sentence.
The investigation was a collaborative effort among the FBI, Hartford Police Department, U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, and several federal immigration and law enforcement agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angel Krull and Shan Patel are prosecuting the case.
