LAREDO, TX — A Mexican man on Wednesday pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana to a conspiracy charge for his role in an alien transporting event which resulted in the deaths of three individuals.
This guilty plea was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez, Southern District of Texas. This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the assistance of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Border Patrol.
Omar Gonzalez-Herrera, 25, from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, admitted during his Dec. 4 re-arraignment that he was hoping to be paid $1,500 in exchange for guiding a group of 14 persons across the Rio Grande River to illegally enter the United States. The investigation led to the discovery of three people who were swept away by the river current and ultimately died. One of the victims was a 5-year-old boy.
Gonzalez-Herrera was originally arrested Aug. 2, 2017, upon the filing of a criminal complaint. On that date, Border Patrol agents in Laredo encountered footprints near the riverbanks of the Rio Grande River. After following the foot signs, agents encountered a group of 14 people who were all illegal aliens.
Judge Saldana anticipates setting up a sentencing date at a later time. At that time, Gonzalez-Herrera faces up to life in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine. He will remain in custody pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher dos Santos, Southern District of Texas, is prosecuting this case.
