3 plead guilty over immigrant smuggling in Houston
HOUSTON — Three smugglers face maximum 10-year prison terms after more than 20 illegal immigrants were found in two homes in Houston.
The U.S. attorney's office says sentencing is Sept. 19 for Everardo Flores-Castaneda and Arturo Hernandez-Villegas, both of Mexico, and Gelber Cornelio Pereira of Brazil.
The three pleaded guilty Thursday to conspiracy to harbor and transport illegal aliens.
Each could also be fined up to $250,000.
Federal agents in January received calls from families of some illegal immigrants reporting their relatives were held by smugglers demanding up to $15,000 ransom per person.
Surveillance helped lead to one house with 15 illegal immigrants, and another with six immigrants, including a 6-year-old boy.
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June 27, 2008 - 3:40 p.m. CDT
Copyright 2008, The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP Online news report may not be published, broadcast or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.
June 28, 2008
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