Texas Woman Pleads Guilty in Major Human Smuggling and Money Laundering Operation
In a significant development, Erminia Serrano Piedra, also known as “Irma” and “Boss Lady,” has pleaded guilty to orchestrating a major human smuggling operation and participating in a conspiracy to launder the proceeds of this illicit activity. The 32-year-old admitted to leading an organization responsible for the illegal transportation and concealment of hundreds of migrants within the United States, primarily from Mexico, Guatemala, and Colombia.
Court documents reveal the alarming methods employed by the organization under Piedra’s leadership, including the dangerous transportation of migrants in confined and unsafe conditions. Migrants were hidden in suitcases, crammed into various vehicles such as tractor-trailers and water tankers, or confined in wooden crates. The organization’s callous disregard for human life is underscored by their reference to migrants as mere commodities.
Piedra’s guilty plea extends to her involvement in a complex financial conspiracy aimed at concealing the proceeds of human smuggling. The scheme involved routing payments through various accounts across the United States, ultimately reaching the leaders of the organization. Piedra openly acknowledged making substantial profits from these activities and expressed no intention of ceasing operations.
In addition to her guilty plea, Piedra has agreed to the criminal forfeiture of two properties, valued at approximately $2.275 million and $515,000, acquired through the proceeds of human smuggling. A money judgment of $942,537.00 has also been imposed.
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Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas, and HSI Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger jointly announced Piedra’s guilty plea. The case is part of a broader investigation led by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), established in June 2021 to combat the escalating threat of human smuggling from Central America.
To date, JTFA’s efforts have resulted in over 260 arrests, 180 convictions, and significant asset seizures. The investigation into Piedra’s operation was led by HSI Laredo, CBP’s U.S. Border Patrol Laredo Sector, and DHS Office of the Inspector General, with support from various HSI offices, U.S. Marshals Service, ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations – Austin, and multiple police and sheriff’s departments across several states.
HRSP Trial Attorneys Christian Levesque and Angela Buckner, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Day for the Southern District of Texas, and MLARS Trial Attorney Daria Andryushchenko are prosecuting the case, with significant support from various departments and offices.
Piedra is scheduled for sentencing on April 10 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge, considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. This case sheds light on the pervasive issue of human smuggling and the extensive efforts required to dismantle such criminal operations within the United States.
