Mexican man convicted in south Texas of transporting illegal aliens into the US

LAREDO, Texas — A Mexican man was convicted Wednesday of transporting illegal aliens into the United States, 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) with the assistance of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Border Patrol.

According to court documents, Jaime Gerardo Serrano-Villegas, 28, assisted others with moving a boat filled with Mexican nationals across the Rio Grande River, towards Rio Bravo, Texas. Witnesses further described Serrano-Villegas acting as a guide and leading a group of six aliens into Rio Bravo. U.S. Border Patrol agents ultimately discovered seven Mexican nationals who were subsequently detained. Evidence and testimony revealed that Serrano-Villegas admitted to HSI special agents that he had acted as a guide to make money for his daughter's dental work.

Serrano-Villegas testified at trial and admitted to illegally entering the United States. However, he denied making any admissions to HSI, acting as a guide or having any involvement with transporting illegal aliens into and through the U.S. The jury did not believe his claims and found him guilty as charged.

Sentencing will be set at a later date. At that time, Serrano-Villegas faces up to 10 years in federal prison. He will remain in custody pending that hearing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher A. dos Santos, Southern District of Texas, is prosecuting this case.