San Antonio Human Smuggler Admits Lying About Identity to Federal Prosecutors
· Texas Border Business
Jose Alfredo Zapata, a 44-year-old man from San Antonio, has pleaded guilty to perjury after admitting to lying about his identity during a previous prosecution for smuggling illegal aliens. On September 3, 2022, Zapata attempted to cross a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint in Laredo, claiming to be a U.S. citizen. Authorities discovered 19 illegal aliens hidden in a trailer he was transporting, for which he expected to be paid $2,000. He faces up to five years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, with sentencing scheduled for December 29, 2026. Zapata remains in custody pending sentencing.
AI summary · Source: Texas Border Business →
