The Honorable Roger T. Benitez ordered Emilio Reyes-Bosque to serve 17 ½ years for his conviction of alien smuggling related charges in a San Diego federal courtroom Monday.
Evidence at trial established that Reyes was the kingpin of the Reyes Alien Smuggling Organization, based in the Imperial Valley, which smuggled hundreds of aliens during the past several years. As the head of the organization Reyes employed foot guides, load drivers, scouts, and caretakers to assist him run his criminal trade.
El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents were able to patiently piece together a strong case for the United States Attorney’s Office in an investigation that was developed over a two year period. In one incident in December 2005, three smuggled aliens escaped one of Reyes’ load houses in Brawley in order to seek medication for an ailing parent. After encountering Border Patrol agents in downtown Brawley, they described the terrible conditions of the load house and how they escaped. Later that morning, Border Patrol agents entered the load house and freed 18 other illegal aliens.
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