Three U.S. Army Soldiers Arrested on Human Smuggling Charges
Background
Three U.S. Army soldiers at Fort Cavazos, Texas, have been arrested on human smuggling charges, according to U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas.
Arrests
Soldiers Emilio Mendoza Lopez, Angel Palma, 20, and Enrique Jauregui, 25, were arrested after a vehicle allegedly driven by Palma and carrying Mendoza Lopez, a Mexican national and two Guatemalan nationals was stopped on November 27 by law enforcement in Presidio along the border with Mexico, about 500 miles southwest of Dallas.
Details of the Incident
Mike Lahrman, a spokesman for Esparza, stated that he did not know the soldiers’ ranks or whether action had been taken against them by the military. A spokesman for Fort Cavazos did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Allegations
"Mendoza Lopez and Palma allegedly traveled from Fort Cavazos to Presidio for the purpose of picking up and transporting undocumented noncitizens," Esparza said in a statement.
"Jauregui is alleged to be the recruiter and facilitator of the human smuggling conspiracy," according to Esparza. "Data extracted from Palma’s phone through a search warrant revealed messages between the three soldiers indicating collaboration in the smuggling operation."
Arrest and Charges
Mendoza Lopez was arrested at the scene of the November 27 traffic stop, while Palma, who prosecutors said fled the scene of the traffic stop, and Jauregui were arrested on Tuesday at Fort Cavazos, about 125 miles south of Dallas.
Defense and Next Steps
Mendoza Lopez’s attorney, Shane Chriesman, said he is awaiting more information, known as discovery, from prosecutors on the charge. "Once I get discovery and have a chance to assess the case, we’ll develop a plan of attack and will try to get a bond set for Mendoza Lopez, who is currently jailed without bail," Chriesman said.
Upcoming Court Appearance
No attorneys are listed in jail records who could speak for Palma and Jauregui, who are awaiting their first court appearance on Friday, according to Esparza.
Conclusion
The arrests of these three U.S. Army soldiers on human smuggling charges is a serious offense that is being taken very seriously by law enforcement. The investigation is ongoing, and it is expected that more information will be released in the coming days.
FAQs
Q: What are the charges against the three U.S. Army soldiers?
A: The soldiers have been charged with human smuggling.
Q: Who is Emilio Mendoza Lopez?
A: Emilio Mendoza Lopez is one of the three U.S. Army soldiers arrested on human smuggling charges.
Q: What is the role of Enrique Jauregui in the alleged human smuggling conspiracy?
A: According to U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza, Jauregui is alleged to be the recruiter and facilitator of the human smuggling conspiracy.
Q: What is the status of the three soldiers?
A: Mendoza Lopez is currently jailed without bail, while Palma and Jauregui are awaiting their first court appearance on Friday.
