U.S. Attorney Jaime E. Esparza | U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney Jaime E. Esparza | U.S. Department of Justice
A federal jury in San Antonio has found Joshua Lee Balderas, a resident of La Pryor, guilty on charges related to human smuggling. The convictions include one count of conspiracy to kidnap and two counts associated with harboring undocumented noncitizens, resulting in serious bodily harm and endangering lives.
Court documents and trial evidence revealed that Balderas, aged 33, along with accomplices, transported and sheltered seven undocumented individuals in March 2022. The group was moved from La Pryor to San Antonio and held captive in hotel rooms while being ransomed for thousands of dollars. One victim's family had to pay $7,000 for her release. During their captivity, Balderas and another conspirator brandished firearms to maintain control over the migrants. Additionally, Balderas committed sexual assault against one of the victims.
Balderas is set for sentencing in February 2025. He could face up to 20 years imprisonment for each harboring charge and potentially life imprisonment for the kidnapping charge.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations alongside the San Antonio Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda Brown and Adrian Rosales are leading the prosecution.
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