Angel Ramon Lopez-Hernandez, a 36-year-old Mexican citizen, has pled guilty to transporting unauthorized aliens to continue their illegal presence in the United States. According to United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg, he faces a possible five-year federal prison sentence.
The plea agreement states that on December 11, 2024, a Florida Highway Patrol trooper stopped a Ford Explorer on Interstate 75 in Columbia County. Lopez-Hernandez was driving the vehicle, which had four occupants. Due to linguistic issues and concerns of transporting unauthorized people, the trooper alerted US Border Patrol officials. Lopez-Hernandez and two passengers admitted to being Mexican citizens unlawfully in the United States.
The odometer indicated high miles, indicating that Lopez-Hernandez had traveled extensively since purchasing the vehicle in September 2022. During questioning, Lopez-Hernandez admitted to receiving payment for transporting the individuals and having previously transported unauthorized aliens from North Carolina to Florida. The travelers admitted to entering the United States illegally and paying for assistance to get to Florida for work.
The US Border Patrol and the Florida Highway Patrol investigated the case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier.