Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A New Orleans resident has been convicted for conspiracy to transport illegal aliens, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Mailon Almendares-Martinez, 21, was found guilty after a three-day trial, during which the jury deliberated for less than an hour.
The court heard that Almendares-Martinez was part of a plan with others between October 30 and November 2, 2022, to transport aliens from the South Texas border to Houston. Testimony revealed that Almendares-Martinez recruited friends from New Orleans, offering them $1,000 to $2,000 per alien transported. Communication occurred through WhatsApp messages and phone calls detailing pick-up instructions.
During the journey to Houston, the group was allegedly targeted by a rival smuggling organization, resulting in injuries to two aliens. Despite these injuries, Almendares-Martinez instructed co-conspirators to continue to Houston without seeking medical help.
The aliens stayed at a Houston motel on November 1, 2022, but escaped the following day. Authorities took four suspects into custody, including Jonathan Melendez-Merino and Oscar Melendez-Sosa.
The defense argued that Almendares-Martinez was not involved, suggesting another person used his WhatsApp account. The jury dismissed this defense and returned a guilty verdict.
“This case demonstrates—like so many cases before it—that human smuggling is an inhumane, dangerous, and sometimes fatal business,” said Ganjei. He added that those profiting from human smuggling deserve prosecution and warned potential victims to reconsider their choices.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 11, with Almendares-Martinez facing up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Previously released on bond, he is now in custody awaiting sentencing.
In the same case, seven others, all from New Orleans, have pleaded guilty. These include Melendez-Merino, 32; Melendez-Sosa, 22; and others.
The investigation was managed by Homeland Security Investigations with help from the Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Day and Anthony Franklyn prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, aiming to address illegal immigration and dismantle criminal organizations.
