Michael P. Drescher Acting United States Attorney for the District of Vermont | U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont
A federal grand jury has indicted Juan Pablo Espinoza-Morales, a 51-year-old citizen of Sonora, Mexico, on charges related to human smuggling and improper entry into the United States. The indictment alleges that Espinoza-Morales knowingly brought individuals into the country for financial gain and entered the U.S. unlawfully.
According to court records, Espinoza-Morales was apprehended on October 21, 2025, along with nine other individuals who had crossed from Canada into the United States without authorization. When first approached by U.S. Border Patrol agents, Espinoza-Morales attempted to flee but was detained about an hour later. Investigators determined he led the group across the border in exchange for payment.
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that “an indictment contains allegations only and that Espinoza-Morales is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.” If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to fifteen years in prison. Sentencing would be determined by the District Court based on advisory guidelines and statutory factors.
First Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher recognized the efforts of both U.S. Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations in this case.
Assistant United States Attorney David Golubock is prosecuting, while Sam Ansell from the Federal Public Defender’s office represents Espinoza-Morales.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America, an initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling criminal organizations involved in such activities.
