Suspected human smuggler arraigned
March 12, 2008 - 11:28PM
FOR THE RECORD


MISSION | AUTO THEFT

Authorities arraigned a suspected human smuggler Wednesday on charges of felony auto theft and evading arrest.

Mission police arrested Jaime Martinez, 18, after a police chase Tuesday that led to a hotel. Authorities found 19 illegal immigrants at the hotel, one of which was treated for rape at a hospital in Harlingen.

Martinez allegedly stole a Ford F-250 on Monday from a Winter Texan at a trailer park just south of Mission. A judge ordered Martinez jailed in lieu of a total bond of $205,000. He remained in the Hidalgo County Jail late Wednesday.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has opened an investigation into the human smuggling allegations.

U.S. Border Patrol has allowed the 18-year-old rape victim to remain in the United States while she recovers from her injuries, said Lt. Martin Garza, a spokesman for Mission police.



McALLEN | SEX OFFENDER

Police continue to search for a sex offender who allegedly failed to register with authorities as required by law.

McAllen authorities issued a warrant Wednesday for the arrest of Eduardo Maldonado on a charge of failure to register in connection with his 2004 conviction in Hidalgo County on a charge of attempted sexual assault of a child.

Police described Maldonado, 43, as about 5 feet 9 inches tall and 240 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He is believed to be in the McAllen area.

Police ask anyone with information about his whereabouts to call McAllen Crime Stoppers at (956) 687-8477.
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Monitor staff writer Zack Quaintance compiled this report.

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