Guatemalan man convicted of harboring 16 smuggled aliens in Houston
HOUSTON — A previously deported illegal alien from Guatemala pleaded guilty Monday to harboring illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson, Southern District of Texas.
This investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Houston Police Department.
Alberto Martinez-Vasquez, 26, was convicted Oct. 26 in federal court before U.S. District Judge Vanessa Gilmore. This case was initiated Sept. 10 when law enforcement responded to a loud noise complaint at a residence on the 9800 block of Gillman Street in Houston. Upon arrival, the location was quickly identified as a stash house. Inside the residence officers observed 16 illegal aliens in their underwear, three were women and one was a minor.
“Those who harbor illegal aliens place personal profit ahead of public safety and border security,” said Brian M. Moskowitz, special agent in charge of HSI Houston. “The results of this criminal case should remind those involved in this dangerous trade that their illegal actions come at a high price.”
As the officers arrived on the scene, Martinez-Vasquez attempted to flee, but was soon apprehended. Evidence showed that Martinez-Vasquez harbored 16 illegal aliens at that location and charged a fee of $200 per week per person. He collected their clothes upon their arrival and would not return them or permit them to leave until their family members made the required payments.
Martinez-Vasquez will remain in custody pending his sentencing, which is set for Jan. 25. At that time, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Goldman, Southern District of Texas, is prosecuting this case.
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