Leader, members of smuggling organization sentenced

MCALLEN, Texas ( ValleyCentral ) — The leader of a smuggling organization and five members were sentenced for human smuggling, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced.

On July 6, 2021, 42-year-old Houston resident Saul Torres-Martinez, also known as Cobra, 32-year-old Mexican resident Ernesto Mata Pioquinto, 31-year-old Mexican resident Marcelino Navarro Sanchez, 26-year-old Fresno resident Robert Hernandez, 36-year-old Wimauma, Florida resident, Noemi Silva and 41-year-old Alamo resident Luis Esteban Martinez pled guilty.

Authorities conducted a two-year investigation into human smuggling in the Rio Grande Valley. According to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, authorities identified and arrested six members of the “Cobra” human smuggling organization.

Investigators say from 2018 to 2019, the organization was responsible for smuggling more than 100 migrants from the Mexican border to Houston.

Authorities also discovered that members of the organization were responsible for a “smuggling fatality” and an alleged sexual assault of a migrant, the release stated.

“Human smuggling organizations simply don’t care,” said U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani. “They do not see the migrants they transport as human beings but rather as currency. As a result, when you put yourselves in these criminals’ hands you risk exposing yourself to extreme danger or even death.”

Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane sentenced Torres-Martinez to nine years in federal prison.

“Judge Crane noted the seriousness of the offense and expressed concern regarding the harm Torres-Martinez caused to the community,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said in the release.

Judge Crane sentenced Pioquinto and Sanchez to four years in federal prison, Hernandez was sentenced to three years in federal prison, and Silva and Martinez were both sentenced to seven years in federal prison.

Hernandez, Silva and Martinez will serve three years of probation following their release.

Torres-Martinez, Pionquinto and Sanchez are expected to face removal proceedings following their release.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KVEO-TV.