THE WAR ON IMMIGRANT SMUGGLING

Six Hispanics indicted by Federal Grand for alien smuggling

United States Attorney Johnny Sutton announced that a federal grand jury in Austin returned an 8-count indictment this afternoon charging six individuals for their roles in an alien smuggling operation uncovered in San Marcos last month.
The indictment charges Rosalinda Trevino-Alvarez, Luz Maria Garcia-Garza,
Julio Cesar Salgado-Ortega, Alejandro Guzman-Ortega, Argeo Salgado-Ortega and Saul
Romero-Salgado with one count each of conspiracy to smuggle, transport and harbor illegal aliens, hostage taking, forced labor and conspiracy to use or possess a firearm during a crime of violence. In addition, Rosalinda Trevino, Luz Garcia, Julio Salgado and Alejandro Guzman are charged with a substantive count of alien harboring. Rosalinda Trevino, Argeo Salgado and Saul Romero all face at least one substantive charge of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
“Today’s indictment is a first step in disrupting a substantial human trafficking and smuggling operation based in San Marcos,” stated United States Attorney Johnny Sutton. “These organizations often operate in the shadows and can be tough to break but the government believes this one was significant.”
On July 16, 2008, federal and local authorities executed a search warrant at the residence of Rosalinda Trevino-Alvarez. There they discovered approximately 25 illegal aliens from Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico and Nicaragua being forcibly detained pending payment of smuggling fees by friends or family.
Upon conviction of all charges, the defendants face up to life in federal prison.
Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives together with officers from the San Marcos and Austin Police Departments conducted this ongoing investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Gerald C. Carruth is prosecuting the case for the Government.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation and not evidence of guilt.
The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.