CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 43-year-old Falfurrias resident has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of transporting illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Pedro Galindo pleaded guilty Dec. 1, 2021.
Today, U.S. District Judge Drew Tipton handed Galindo a sentence of 41 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court noted he had prior convictions for burglary, robbery and conspiracy to transport undocumented aliens.
On Sep. 3, 2021, Galindo was driving a black Chevrolet Impala Northbound on U.S. Highway 281 near San Manuel. During that time, law enforcement observed a low-riding vehicle that appeared to contain more occupants than its seating capacity allowed.
When a registration check on the vehicle returned with no record on file, law enforcement attempted to pull the vehicle over for further inspection. Galindo failed to yield and drove north at an accelerated speed before eventually losing control. At that time, he allowed eight passengers to exit the vehicle. Authorities determined all passengers were illegally present in the United States.
After speeding through the Falfurrias checkpoint, Galindo continued to flee in his vehicle at nearly 148 miles per hour. A vehicle immobilization device brought the car to a halt where officers were able to arrest Galindo.
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Parker Gochenour prosecuted the case.