MARFA, Texas — On Nov. 27 NewsWest 9 reported on a failed human smuggling incident in Presidio, today new information has been released in a United States Department of Justice news release.
The suspects who were previously unnamed have now been confirmed in a news release from the United States Department of Justice. According to the release the alleged driver was identified as Angel Palma, who later fled on foot and was located the following day in Odessa at a hotel.
Another individual arrested was identified as Emilio Mendoza Lopez who claimed to be the "front seat passenger in the vehicle. "
The United States Department of justice said that Mendoza Lopez and Palma traveled from Fort Cavazos to Presidio to pick up and transport "undocumented noncitizens."
The release states that a third individual identified as Enrique Jauregui is alleged to be the recruiter and facilitator of the "human smuggling conspiracy."
All three are alleged Fort Cavazos soldiers, according to the news release.
Data from Palma's cellphone obtained from a search warrant revealed text message conversations between the soldiers indicating that the three were collaborating in the smuggling operation.
According to the release Mendoza Lopez has already made his appearance in court on Dec. 2 in Alpine. before U.S. Magistrate Judge David B. Fannin. He has been charged with one count of "bringing in and harboring aliens."
Palma and Jauregui are scheduled to appear to appear before the U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffery Manske for their initial appearance hearings in Waco on Dec.6. They are being charged in a separate criminal complaint with one count of bringing in and harboring aliens and one count of assaulting a federal agent. The release states that a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S, Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
NewsWest 9 will update the story if more information is provided.