Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
Two men involved in a human smuggling conspiracy have been sentenced to federal prison, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Manuel Capetillo, 27, from Poteet, and Michael Diaz, 31, from Laredo, had previously pleaded guilty on February 4 and March 4.
U.S. District Judge John A. Kazen sentenced Capetillo to 85 months in prison and Diaz to 70 months. Both were also ordered to serve three years of supervised release after their sentences. Additionally, Diaz was required to pay a $10,000 special assessment. In delivering the sentence, the court highlighted the harsh conditions under which the aliens were transported and noted that Capetillo and Diaz treated smuggling as a business venture. “You thought of these people as cattle,” remarked Judge Kazen. He further noted Capetillo's significant role in the operation.
The two men were responsible for smuggling over 65 individuals from various countries including Guatemala and Mexico. They received more than $50,000 for their activities.
Investigations revealed that both operated stash houses in Laredo with Capetillo managing another one in Poteet. Over several months, Capetillo recruited personnel to assist in transporting aliens across Texas from Central America.
Capetillo was involved in negotiating with Mexican smugglers regarding payments for illegal crossings into the United States and coordinated with Mexican nationals for weapons supply related to conflicts in Monterrey and drug importation into the U.S.
Diaz collaborated closely with Capetillo by renting a yard in Laredo where they loaded aliens into non-operational vehicles for transport to Poteet under extreme heat conditions.
Following sentencing, Capetillo was taken into custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility while Diaz remains detained.
The investigation was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations along with Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection, supported by police departments from Laredo and Poteet. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tory Sailer prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America which aims at combating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels through resources provided by the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.
