GREAT FALLS, Mont. (NMB) – Two Mexican citizens who were arrested in Glacier County by Border Patrol agents investigating suspected alien smuggling from Canada pleaded guilty on Tuesday in Great Falls to illegally transporting aliens.
A press release says Alberto Guillen-Gordillo, 23, and Samuel Velasco-Tovar, 28, each pleaded guilty to transportation of illegal aliens. Each defendant faces a maximum 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and set sentencing for May 5. Guillen-Gordillo and Velasco-Tovar remain detained.
Court records say that on November 17 at 11:15 PM, Border Patrol agents conducted a traffic stop near the Canadian border in Glacier County. More than 15 passengers were in the two vehicles stopped, and all admitted to being in the U.S. illegally. Some of the passengers identified Velasco-Tovar as the foot guide who helped them cross into the U.S.
Guillen-Gordillo was identified as the driver of a third vehicle, but he stayed at a Cut Bank hotel because he was not feeling well.
