The migrants, hailing from Mexico, Guatemala, and Colombia, paid the organization to assist them in their illegal journey to and within the United States. The organization employed drivers who would pick up the migrants near the U.S.-Mexico border and transport them deeper into the country, often hiding them in various unconventional ways such as suitcases, pickup trucks, water tankers, and wooden crates.
A Texan woman has pleaded guilty for her involvement in a scheme to transport hundreds of foreign nationals illegally within the United States. Erminia Serrano Piedra, also known as Irma and Boss Lady, was the mastermind behind a human smuggling organization that not only facilitated the unlawful transportation of migrants but also harbored and concealed them from law enforcement.
The migrants, hailing from Mexico, Guatemala, and Colombia, paid the organization to assist them in their illegal journey to and within the United States. The organization employed drivers who would pick up the migrants near the U.S.-Mexico border and transport them deeper into the country, often hiding them in various unconventional ways such as suitcases, pickup trucks, water tankers, and wooden crates.
The organization's transportation methods endangered the lives of migrants, subjecting them to cramped and poorly ventilated spaces that became dangerously hot. Additionally, they were driven at high speeds without any safety measures in place. Shockingly, the organization referred to these vulnerable individuals as "boxes," "packages," or "pieces."
Typically, migrants paid around $8,000 to the organization, with $3,000 given upfront to smugglers in Mexico. The remaining amount was paid once they entered the United States. The money was funneled through various accounts across the country before reaching the organization's leaders.
In her plea agreement, Serrano Piedra confessed to boasting about the substantial profits she made from human smuggling and her plans to continue earning money in the future. She even mentioned that she had been involved in this illicit activity for a significant portion of her life and had no intentions of retiring.
Piedra has admitted guilt in a conspiracy to hide the origins and control of illegally obtained funds from human smuggling. The organization's leaders enlisted individuals to receive the proceeds in their bank accounts and then transferred the money to themselves under the guise of work payments.
They also set up businesses and accounts to move the funds. Construction industry workers were recruited to accept cash in exchange for checks from their business accounts, which were derived from human smuggling.
Serrano has agreed to forfeit two properties worth $2,275,000 and $515,000, which were purchased with the illicit proceeds, along with a money judgment of $942,537.00. Serrano Piedra is set to be sentenced on April 10 and could face a maximum prison term of 20 years. The final sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge, who will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani, and HSI Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger came together to make a significant announcement. They revealed that ten other defendants involved in the case had pleaded guilty for their roles in the scheme. These guilty pleas demonstrate the commitment of the Justice Department in holding individuals accountable for their actions.
Among those who pleaded guilty were Kevin Daniel Nuber, also known as Captain, and Laura Nuber, also known as Barbie. They admitted to conspiracy charges related to transporting aliens and endangering lives, as well as conspiring to harbor aliens for personal gain. Additionally, Christine Dangler, Lloyd Bexley, Jeremy Dickens, Juan Manuel Hernandez Cordova, David Scott Tallant, Katie Ann Garcia, and Abraham Geber Lopez pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges involving the transportation and movement of aliens, endangering lives in the process. Oliveria Campuzano Piedra pleaded guilty to conspiracy to profit from harboring an alien.
These defendants now await their sentencing, which will determine the consequences of their actions. The indictments and convictions of these individuals are the direct result of the collaborative efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA).
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland established JTFA in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to combat the increasing and dangerous smuggling activities originating from Central America and affecting our border communities. This joint effort aims to protect our borders and ensure the safety of our communities.
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