Dominican Republic National Sentenced to Over 11 Years for Deadly Smuggling Operation

A Dominican Republic national has been slapped with over 11 years behind bars for a smuggling conspiracy that ended in the death of two individuals, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced Wednesday. Wilkin Perez-Perez, 35, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison after pleading guilty in January to conspiracy to transport individuals in the United States resulting in death, according to a statement obtained by U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Leading the operation, Perez-Perez was involved in numerous alien smuggling events, where he engaged in violent conduct and possessed a weapon. When he learned of his arrest, fleeing the United States, Perez-Perez was later caught up by the law. Upon sentencing, U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison did not go light on him, labeling him as a leader who is expected to face removal from the U.S. after his prison term ends.

“Two bodies found along the banks of the Rio Grande,’ a tragic and all too often headline made possible by ruthless and reckless human smugglers like Perez-Perez and the transnational criminal organizations that employ the likes of him,”  Hamdani said. “We will go to any lengths necessary to prosecute the leaders and members of these organizations who care only about cash and not about they humans they transport. Let this case be an example to anyone thinking about becoming a part of the deadly smuggling industry in the United States, you will be held accountable…no matter how long it takes.”

The tragic incident that led to Perez-Perez's downfall took place on September 21, 2017, when two individuals drowned while attempting to cross the Rio Grande River, shepherded by Melvin L. Barahona-Godoy and Yoryi Alexis Perez. Investigative efforts by Homeland Security Investigations, Border Patrol, and U.S. Marshals Service led to Perez-Perez, who had been managing the U.S. operations of the smuggling ring and coordinated the ill-fated transportation of the victims.

In addition to Perez-Perez's sentencing, his cohorts Barahona-Godoy, 27, of Guatemala, and Yoryi Alexis Perez, 34, of the Dominican Republic, have also been handed prison sentences of 57 and 78 months respectively for their roles relating to the transportation and harboring of the deceased and other individuals.

The convicted smuggler is currently in custody, awaiting transfer to an undetermined U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.