According to the The Monitor, an Edinburg man will forfeit more than half a million dollars, records show, as part of a plea deal with government prosecutors,.
Sergio Guadalupe Sauceda-Saenz pleaded guilty to bulk cash smuggling on Dec. 21 in connection with his April arrest at a port of entry.
On April 4, 2020, the 36-year old legally permanent resident attempted to leave the U.S. through the Hidalgo port of entry in his vehicle.
Port officers subsequently conducted an inspection of Sauceda’s vehicle which led to the discovery of $571,497 in bulk U.S. currency in the spare tire, a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of Texas stated.
At the December hearing, Sauceda admitted to evading currency reporting requirements by knowingly concealing more than $10,000, the release stated.
Mr. Sauceda is awaiting sentencing, where his assistance and acceptance will play a key role in the sentence imposed by Judge Ricardo Hinojosa. Federal judges utilize the sentencing guidelines to determine the length of a federal sentence, whether on supervised release or in prison. A key factor in any federal criminal defense is assisting federal investigators immediately with any key information that will reduce points on the sentencing guidelines and potentially avoid a prison sentence. If you are facing prosecution for a federal offense call an experienced criminal defense attorney Juan Ramos to defend your freedom. Call (956) 630-7670.