A man from Nogales, Arizona man, Benjamin Gallegos, pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday in connection with his role as the coordinator for a human smuggling organization.
Gallegos admitted that he conspired to transport and harbor illegal aliens for profit in the Nogales, Arizona area. Specifically, Gallegos managed, organized, and coordinated other co-conspirators to drive, provide guide services, and operate stash houses for undocumented persons seeking to be smuggled into the United States. Over the course of the conspiracy, Gallegos coordinated smuggling operations for well over 100 undocumented persons entering the country from Mexico.
A conviction for Conspiracy to Transport and Harbor Illegal Aliens for Profit carries a maximum penalty of ten years, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both.
Gallegos is expected to be sentenced on April 22, 2022.