Houston Man Sentenced to Four Years in Federal Prison for Alien Smuggling Conspiracy

HOUSTON – A 33-year-old Guatemalan national living illegally in Houston has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in a human smuggling scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Junior Morales-Chutan pleaded guilty on April 24 to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens. U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett sentenced him to 48 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Morales-Chutan, who previously reentered the U.S. unlawfully after removal, is expected to face deportation following his sentence.

Federal investigators said Morales-Chutan operated a stash house in Houston where smuggled migrants were held after entering the United States. Associates armed with weapons allegedly threatened the victims to prevent them from leaving. Morales-Chutan also handled ransom collections tied to the smuggling operation.

In one case, the father of two Guatemalan nationals had already paid $25,000 for their journey to the U.S., but Morales-Chutan demanded an additional $32,500 for their release. He allegedly threatened to turn them over to a cartel if the money was not delivered.

Authorities later searched a residence on Tanager Street in Houston, where they found firearms, cash, and ledgers tied to the smuggling network. Migrants identified Morales-Chutan as being in charge, saying as many as 20 individuals were housed there at different times.

“This case shows how those who make their living smuggling and warehousing human beings have no respect for the safety or dignity of their fellow man,” said U.S. Attorney Ganjei. “Don’t put your life, or the lives of your loved ones, in their hands. Stay home and stay safe.”

Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Day prosecuted the case.