BROWNSVILLE, Texas – An 18 year-old Mexican man illegally residing in Brownsville has entered a plea of guilty to transporting illegal aliens within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Christopher Rodriguez-Martinez admitted his guilty today.
On Dec. 7, 2021, authorities observed Rodriguez-Martinez and Guillermo Villasenor-Sanchez in a silver vehicle near the Los Fresnos canal. Soon after, they saw six individuals run from the canal and get into the vehicle.
Rodriguez-Martinez was the driver and fled the area at a high rate of speed. As law enforcement approached the vehicle, Rodriguez-Martinez lost control and made impact with the Border Patrol (BP) unit.
After the crash, the occupants of the vehicle attempted to run away. Authorities soon apprehended them.
Upon the arrests, authorities located a total of $30,000 in cash along with several cell phones in the vehicle.
Villasenor-Sanchez, 31, Matamoros, Mexico, had previously pleaded guilty and is set for sentencing May 4. Rodriguez-Martinez is set to be sentenced May 25.
At that time, each face up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Both remain in custody pending their hearings.
Customs and Border Protection and Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ana C. Cano is prosecuting the case.