Mexican national charged with alien smuggling

HARRISBURG, Pa. — A Mexican national was charged Wednesday for smuggling three aliens who unlawfully entered the United States after a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) investigation.

According to the indictment, Esau Garcia-Patino, a 23-year-old Mexican national, was stopped by the Pennsylvania State Police Oct. 20 in Cumberland County and found to be aiding and transporting the three individuals who unlawfully entered and remained in the United States. Garcia-Patino remains in custody.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy H. Fawcett.

Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the federal sentencing guidelines.