Member Center

Local News

Falfurrias Man Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Scheme

Posted: Nov 14, 2012 12:36 PM

CORPUS CHRISTI - A Falfurrias man has plead guilty to his role in an immigrant smuggling scheme that resulted in a 24-year-old Mexican man's death last year.

Lewey Martinez, 31, admitted in court that he took part in a human smuggling operation for five years. On September 15, 2011, Martinez made arrangements for 20 immigrants to be lead by guides around the Border Patrol checkpoint in Falfurrias, then to a stash house on his property.

Prosecutors say one of the immigrants died as a result of exposure and dehydration during the trek. The man's body was loaded into a truck, taken to an intersection and dumped. Martinez then called from a payphone to let police know where to find the body.

In a release, court officials did not detail how Martinez was found to be connected to the body.

He now faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

Comments

Submit News

Do you have a tip, information about a breaking news story, or a story idea for 6 Investigates? Contact the KRIS 6 News Desk at 361-884-6666 or send us an email.

KRISTV.COM is Social!

Click the icons above to receive News, Weather, and Sports alerts from KRISTV.COM!

Inside KRISTV.COM

	Photo Central Look at photos and videos and share them!
	Desktop Weather Current forecast, hurricane info, and much more!
	KRISTV.COM Mobile Website Get KRISTV.com on your mobile or PDA!
	KRISTV.COM Mobile Apps Get our mobile apps on your mobile or PDA!
	Texas Lottery See the latest winning numbers!
	6 News Team Read about your favorite KRIS-TV personalities!
	FCC Online Public File FCC Public File of Records, Reports, and more