Smugglers involved
in car crash get prison
By Neal Putnam
The Alpine Sun
SAN DIEGO — Two men who participated in smuggling
undocumented workers after a crash in the Back Country that
injured five people have been sentenced to 46 months and 24
months respectively on Jan. 5.
Celestino Martinez, 24, pleaded guilty to transporting
illegal aliens in the August 9, 2009, incident and was sentenced
to 46 months in federal prison by U.S. District Court M. James
Lorenz. Martinez was the owner of the silver Jeep Cherokee that
was driven by Osvaldo Miguel Contreras, 25, according to court
records.
The foot guide, Nicolas Aguilera-Ordena, 25, who also
pleaded guilty to transporting illegal aliens, received a 2-year
federal prison term by Lorenz. Contreras, who was injured in the
crash, also pleaded guilty to transporting illegal aliens, but
his sentencing was delayed to March 22.
Contreras was driving the Jeep down Lyons Valley Road
near Peg Leg Mine Road and somehow drew the attention of a
Border Patrol agent. Contreras then drove faster, but crashed on
state Route 94 just east of Steele Canyon Road. There were
apparently three people being smuggled in the vehicle. One
person suffered brain injuries in the crash.
After the trio pleaded guilty to one count, five other
similar charges were dismissed. They could have received maximum
20-year sentences, but such a long term is not recommended by
federal guidelines and not sought by the U.S. Attorney’s office.
Both Martinez and Aguilera-Ordena were ordered to pay
$100 penalty assessment fees, and they have waived their appeal
rights after pleading guilty. Contreras remains in the
Metropolitan Correctional Center without bail.
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