TUCSON, Ariz. – On November 8, 2022, Michael Ernesto Abril, 24, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced by United States District Judge John C. Hinderaker to 14 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Hinderaker also ordered Abril to pay a $10,000 fine. Abril previously pleaded guilty to Transporting Illegal Aliens for Profit.
On November 17, 2021, U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) agents observed Abril erratically driving a U-Haul box truck at a high rate of speed near Arivaca, Arizona. After an attempted immigration stop, Abril eventually pulled over but then fled from the agents on foot. USBP agents were able to apprehend Abril and arrest him. Inside the box of the U-Haul truck, agents discovered five undocumented noncitizens who had illegally entered the United States.
U.S. Border Patrol, Tucson Sector, conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-21-3188-TUC-JCH-LCK
RELEASE NUMBER: 2022-211_Abril
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