2 Mexican nationals plead guilty to transporting illegal aliens within United States

HUNTINGTON, W. Va. – Two Mexican nationals have pleaded guilty in federal court for transporting illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin on Monday. The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Putnam County, W. Va. Sheriff's Department.

Miguel Marquez-Jimenez, 25, and Sergio Morales-Jimenez, 20, both from Mexico admitted they transported illegal aliens from Houston, Texas to West Virginia. According to court documents, on April 5, 2012, Marquez-Jimenez and Morales-Jimenez participated together in transporting 14 illegal aliens in a Nissan Armada vehicle from Houston to Putnam County, W. Va. They were enroute to New Jersey.

Each defendant faces up to five years in prison when sentenced September 24, 2012 by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers. Both are also subject to administrative removal proceedings when their sentence is discharged.