SAN DIEGO – A Mexican citizen who tried to run over a Border Patrol agent in Campo was sentenced last Wednesday in federal court.
Facundo Salvador Valenzuela-Cota was arrested on June 5, 2013, when Campo Border Patrol agents intercepted a smuggling event in progress. Valenzuela and another man were driving two vehicles that were filled with narcotics. They attempted to flee from agents. However, Valenzuela also attempted to run down an agent in order to avoid apprehension. The agent escaped and fired his weapon, disabling the vehicle. The 39-year-old Mexican national was arrested and charged with illegal re-entry into the U.S., narcotics possession with the intent to distribute, and assault on a Federal officer.
The judge sentenced Valenzuela to 87 months in prison, a $700 fine, and lifetime supervised release following his prison term.
Another recent case resulted in a multi-year sentence as well. On October 30, 2013, Campo agents intercepted a cocaine smuggling event at the Interstate 8 checkpoint. Santos Lopez-Perez arrived at the checkpoint driving a 2005 Toyota Tundra and was referred for a secondary inspection. However, he attempted to drive past the secondary area without stopping. Agents re-directed him to the secondary inspection area and a canine sniff resulted in an alert. Agents found 24 bundles of cocaine hidden inside the truck.
The judge sentenced Lopez to 41 months in prison. After serving his prison term, he will be under supervised release for three years.
To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on corridors of egress away from our Nation’s borders. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.