Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont has announced charges against Juan Carlos Jacinto-Ramos, a Guatemalan citizen, and Qing Zhu from China. Jacinto-Ramos is accused of bringing three Chinese nationals into the United States at a location other than an official port of entry. Zhu is charged with illegal entry into the country.
The defendants appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle on February 10, 2025. Judge Doyle ordered both Jacinto-Ramos and Zhu to be detained pending their prosecutions. Zhu's detention is also due to his status as a material witness against Jacinto-Ramos.
Court records indicate that on February 9, U.S. Border Patrol agents discovered fresh footprints in the snow near Ayers Hill Road in Berkshire, Vermont, close to the U.S.-Canada border. Following these tracks led agents to encounter Zhu and two other Chinese nationals—a woman and a 10-year-old child—who were cold, wet, and appeared dehydrated. This group was identified as a family unit.
Agents also noticed another individual fleeing south from where they found the family. After tracking this person for approximately three hours through challenging terrain and weather conditions, agents apprehended Jacinto-Ramos. It was determined that he had guided Zhu and his family across the border before leaving them behind.
The United States Attorney’s Office stresses that these are allegations only; both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, Jacinto-Ramos could face up to 10 years in prison, while Zhu could face up to six months. Sentences will be decided by the District Court based on advisory guidelines and statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher praised the efforts of the Border Patrol agents involved in this case.
Assistant United States Attorney Mathew Lasher is prosecuting the case. Jason Sawyer represents Jacinto-Ramos, while Robert Behrens represents Zhu.