Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A Texas man from Houston has been indicted by a grand jury in Laredo on charges of trafficking boots made from the skin of endangered sea turtles. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
The accused, Alejandro Hernandez, was apprehended by law enforcement in Midland. He is currently making his initial court appearance in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Roland Griffin.
The indictment, which includes five counts, claims that Hernandez smuggled boots into the United States, engaged in conspiracy to smuggle, illegally sold the boots, and utilized mail services for their delivery.
Furthermore, the charges assert that Hernandez operated an online store that marketed custom boots made from various types of animal skins. According to the allegations, he advertised these boots as genuine handmade products originating from Guanajuato, Mexico.
One specific accusation from October 2024 involves the importation of boots made from sea turtle skin from Mexico, which were subsequently sent to a customer located in Houston.
If found guilty, Hernandez could be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The investigation was led by the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan L. Oliver.
It is important to note that an indictment is only a formal accusation and not proof of guilt. The defendant remains presumed innocent until proven guilty through a court of law.
