LAREDO, TEXAS – A 59-year-old Laredo man has entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
On Jan. 22, Barry Terence Harvin arrived at the I-35 Border Patrol checkpoint driving a semi-truck and trailer. A K-9 alerted to the presence of contraband in the cargo area of the vehicle which prompted authorities to refer him to secondary inspection.
Further investigation showed anomalies in the trailer. Law enforcement then opened it and discovered 104 aliens, including four unaccompanied minors.
Harvin admitted he had agreed to smuggle aliens to San Antonio for $1,000 per individual. He claimed a friend had offered him the job. He had parked the truck and trailer near some brush when several illegal aliens emerged from the brush and entered the trailer. His friend closed the trailer doors, and Harvin drove north towards San Antonio.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña will set sentencing at a later date. At that time, Harvin faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul A. Harrison is prosecuting the case.