Thread: 9 get prison for Houston-based deadly immigrant smuggling

9 get prison for Houston-based immigrant smuggling


Associated Press
Posted on March 28, 2012 at 9:26 AM

McALLEN, Texas—Prosecutors say two leaders of a deadly Houston-based illegal immigrant smuggling ring have been sentenced to prison.

Officials say 34-year-old Rafael Valles of the McAllen area was sentenced Tuesday to more than 10 years in federal prison. A Mexican citizen, 32-year-old Refugio Reyna-Huerta, received an eight-year prison term.

Both pleaded guilty last year to conspiracy to transport illegal immigrants.

Investigators say a February 2010 traffic accident near Falfurrias (fal-FYOO’-ree-uhs) led to the death of a person from Mexico. Authorities say the victim was among 17 illegal immigrants being transported in a fleeing pickup when the truck rolled.

Seven other convicted members of the smuggling ring received prison terms Tuesday ranging from nearly two years to more than six years.

source: 9 get prison for Houston-based immigrant smuggling | khou.com Houston