Texas

Texas Woman Pleads Guilty in Major Human Smuggling and Money Laundering Operation

2024-01-11


Erminia Serrano Piedra, also known as "Irma" and "Boss Lady," aged 32, has admitted her involvement in a large-scale human smuggling operation and a conspiracy to launder the proceeds of this illicit activity. According to official court documents, Piedra led an organization responsible for the illegal transportation and concealment of hundreds of migrants within the United States, primarily from Mexico, Guatemala, and Colombia.


The organization orchestrated the pick-up of migrants near the U.S.-Mexico border, transporting them deeper into the United States and often using "stash houses" for temporary concealment. The migrants were dangerously transported in confined and unsafe conditions, hidden in suitcases, crammed into various vehicles like tractor-trailers, and water tankers, or confined in wooden crates. The organization's callous disregard for human life was evident in their reference to migrants as mere commodities.


Piedra’s guilty plea also extends to her role in a complex financial conspiracy designed to mask the proceeds of human smuggling. The scheme involved routing payments through various accounts across the United States, with the funds eventually reaching the organization's leaders. Piedra herself admitted to making substantial profits from these activities, with no intention of ceasing operations.


Additionally, Piedra consented to the criminal forfeiture of two properties, valued at approximately $2.275 million and $515,000, acquired through the smuggling proceeds, along with a money judgment of $942,537.00.


The announcement of Piedra's plea was made by Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas, and HSI Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger.


This case is part of a broader investigation by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), established in June 2021 to combat the increasing threat of human smuggling from Central America. The task force comprises members from various U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP), and other divisions, working in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the FBI, the DEA, and other agencies. To date, JTFA's efforts have resulted in over 260 arrests, 180 convictions, and significant asset seizures.


The investigation into this particular operation was led by HSI Laredo, CBP’s U.S. Border Patrol Laredo Sector, and DHS Office of the Inspector General, with substantial support from various HSI offices, U.S. Marshals Service, ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations - Austin, and several police and sheriff's departments across multiple states.


HRSP Trial Attorneys Christian Levesque and Angela Buckner, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Day for the Southern District of Texas, and MLARS Trial Attorney Daria Andryushchenko are prosecuting the case, with significant support from various departments and offices.


Piedra is scheduled for sentencing on April 10 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge, taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

SOURCE


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