Arizona man pleads guilty to role in human smuggling

PHOENIX — A man plead guilty in federal court Thursday for his role as coordinator in a human smuggling operation, authorities said.

Benjamin Gallegos, 24, admitted to a federal judge that he conspired to move and harbor undocumented people for profit, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Arizona said in a press release. 

Gallegos confessed to managing, organizing, and coordinating with other co-conspirators to provide transportation, offer guide services and overlook stash houses for those coming into the country from Mexico.

He could face up to 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000 or both.

His sentencing is scheduled for April 22.

The investigation was directed by the Homeland Security Investigations office in Nogales in conjunction with the U.S. Border Patrol.

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