Five individuals from Laredo, Texas, have been sentenced for their roles in an alien smuggling operation, as announced by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. The last defendant, Jaquon Davis, pleaded guilty on October 10, 2024. U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo sentenced Davis to 44 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. The court identified Davis as the leader of the conspiracy, presenting evidence of his long-standing involvement in alien smuggling and recruitment of accomplices.
“This case demonstrates the Southern District of Texas’ commitment to stopping the flow of illegal aliens into our country,” stated Ganjei. “That means prosecuting not only illegal aliens but also those who support and help them in breaking our laws.”
The scheme came to light on March 19, 2024, when Davis and four others attempted to bypass a checkpoint north of Laredo using access roads. Of the three vehicles involved, one acted as a scout while the other two transported undocumented individuals. Authorities intercepted the vehicles, discovering a total of 12 illegal aliens, one hidden in a truck bed box.
Two of the apprehended individuals revealed they had arranged substantial payments for smuggling services to Texas cities. Prior to being picked up by the group, they had crossed the Rio Grande River and stayed at a stash house. The investigation uncovered that the smugglers coordinated their efforts from a local motel, supported by Davis who financed the hotel lodgings.
Among those sentenced, Carlota Herrera and Ruben Campos received 21 and 37 months, respectively, for transporting the illegal aliens. Bobby Vaughan Hoodye was handed a six-month sentence for supplying a transport vehicle, and Jakhalib Fisher was sentenced to 33 months for coordinating the smuggling event.
Davis remains in custody, awaiting transfer to a Bureau of Prisons facility. The investigation was conducted by Border Patrol, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan L. Oliver handled the prosecution.