Thread: Suspect in smuggling under Brownsville Streets Pleads

Suspect in human smuggling pipeline under Brownsville city streets pleads guilty

July 21, 2009 - 9:20 PM

By EMMA PEREZ-TREVINO, The Brownsville Herald

One of two men that U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested in June and charged with human smuggling under Brownsville streets pleaded guilty in federal court and his sentencing is slated for October.

Agustin Sanchez Cruz, of Mexico, waived federal indictment and pleaded guilty Friday to alien smuggling.

Sanchez Cruz admitted guiding a group of undocumented immigrants on June 25 across the Rio Grande and through the storm drain underneath the streets of Brownsville in exchange for $450, the federal court record reflects.

In exchange for his guilty plea, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will recommend to the court that Sanchez Cruz be credited for accepting responsibility.

Sanchez Cruz faces a sentence of up to 10 years in jail and a $250,000 fine.

A second suspect arrested also in June, Ramon Acosta Hernandez, has not pleaded guilty.

Both Sanchez Cruz and Acosta Hernandez are being held on $50,000 cash bonds each.

They were arrested after patrol agents operating in downtown Brownsville near the Rio Grande saw individuals traveling through a drainage pipe in the East 11th Street area, the court record states.

Agents intercepted the group and directed them to exit the pipe.

Sanchez Cruz’s sentencing has been scheduled for Oct. 19 at 8:30 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen.

eperez-trevino@brownsvilleherald.com


http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/g ... gling.html

Suspect in human smuggling pipeline under Brownsville city streets pleads guilty

July 21, 2009 - 9:20 PM

By EMMA PEREZ-TREVINO, The Brownsville Herald

One of two men that U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested in June and charged with human smuggling under Brownsville streets pleaded guilty in federal court and his sentencing is slated for October.

Agustin Sanchez Cruz, of Mexico, waived federal indictment and pleaded guilty Friday to alien smuggling.

Sanchez Cruz admitted guiding a group of undocumented immigrants on June 25 across the Rio Grande and through the storm drain underneath the streets of Brownsville in exchange for $450, the federal court record reflects.

In exchange for his guilty plea, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will recommend to the court that Sanchez Cruz be credited for accepting responsibility.

Sanchez Cruz faces a sentence of up to 10 years in jail and a $250,000 fine.

A second suspect arrested also in June, Ramon Acosta Hernandez, has not pleaded guilty.

Both Sanchez Cruz and Acosta Hernandez are being held on $50,000 cash bonds each.

They were arrested after patrol agents operating in downtown Brownsville near the Rio Grande saw individuals traveling through a drainage pipe in the East 11th Street area, the court record states.

Agents intercepted the group and directed them to exit the pipe.

Sanchez Cruz’s sentencing has been scheduled for Oct. 19 at 8:30 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen.

eperez-trevino@brownsvilleherald.com


http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/g ... gling.html