A former member of the National Guard has pleaded guilty to participating in an alien smuggling ring, reported the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas. Derrick Terelle Sankey, 24, confessed to being a part of a conspiracy that orchestrated the illegal transport of individuals through the Rio Grande Valley while he was actively serving the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
According to the plea agreement, Sankey admitted his role within the group spanned from March to September 2021. Tasked with scouting duties, he used his knowledge of law enforcement operations to undermine them. As a National Guardsman, he had inside knowledge, which assured the contraband cargo of aliens passed through to Jim Wells County undetected, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani announced Sankey's involvement in the operation, stating he provided intelligence to the organization that facilitated alien smuggling. Sankey's acts included giving insights into counter-smuggling activity and identifying vehicles holding unlawful individuals for evasion of authorities. Not only did he circumvent the law he was sworn to uphold, but he also directly contributed to the undermining of the border's security framework.
Now convicted, Sankey is awaiting his sentencing set for November 12. The former National Guardsman could face up to a decade in federal prison and a fine reaching $250,000. Nevertheless, he has been allowed to remain out on bond until the sentencing, Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane presiding over the impending judgment, as per U.S. Attorney's Office.
The investigation that led to Sankey's conviction was a combined effort by Homeland Security Investigations and the DHS – Office of Inspector General. With the case presented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert L. Guerra Jr.
