2 Illegal Immigrants Sentenced in Smuggling Case

Updated: Wednesday, 08 Dec 2010, 10:14 PM CST
Published : Wednesday, 08 Dec 2010, 10:14 PM CST


JOHN PERERA
Web Producer

HOUSTON - Two illegal immigrants received prison time for their part in conspiring to transport and harbor an illegal immigrant that resulted in his death.

Amancio Aburto-Gamino, 48, and Gabriel Guzman-Villa, 28, got 27 and 51 months in prison respectively and face deportation proceedings upon completion of their sentences. Both pleaded guilty to the felony immigration charge on June 16.

Brazoria County Sheriffs deputies found the body of a Honduran national in their county on April 27, 2009, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney Generals Office. A Honduran drivers license was found on the body.

Evidence at the trial indicated Aburto-Gamino and Guzman-Villa called the victims friends and family and demanded payment money for his smuggling fees. The pair also said the victim was very ill.

Investigators learned the victim was extremely ill upon arrival to the U.S. Aburto was accused of purchasing a drink for the victim. The victim drank it, went to the bathroom, collapsed and died. Interviews indicated Guzman-Villa dumped the body on the side of the road. The Galveston County Medical Examiners Office was unable to determine a cause of death.

Agents from Immigrations and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security conducted an investigation and established surveillance at a trailer park in the 13000 block of Hooper in Harris County. Agents made contact with Mary Jesse Cuadros, also accused in the same case, at a traffic stop. Cuadros gave permission for the agents to search her trailer.

Meanwhile, one of the agents conducting surveillance from Cuadros residence saw Aburto-Gamino and another of the accused, Lucero Gamino, drive into the area, according to the statement. Aburto reportedly received a phone call from Cuadros warning him agents were on the way. When both Gaminos attempted to warn the occupants of the trailer, agents placed both under arrest.

Searching Cuadros trailer, agents found a pollo list detailing smuggle illegal immigrants, contact numbers to obtain smuggling fees and fees paid to smugglers. The list contained the names of 27 illegal immigrants. Agents also found a pistol and numerous cell phones. A search of a second trailer, with Cuadros consent, revealed trash bags and maroon curtains used to wrap the body of the dead victim.

Guzman-Villa has been involved in the illegal immigrant smuggling business for more than two years with his wife, Cuadros, and stepfather, Aburto-Gamino, according to interviews conducted by investigators.

Cuadros pleaded guilty to conspiracy and is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan 13. 2011. She could face life imprisonment and fine up to $250,000. Lucero Gambino was sentenced on Aug. 20 to time served - 15 months imprisonment. He also faces deportation proceedings.

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