Man sentenced for smuggling attempt at Falfurrias checkpoint

FALFURRIAS, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Rio Grande Valley resident has been sent to prison for attempting to smuggle an individual through a checkpoint.

Jason Al Venecia, 42, has been ordered to serve two years in prison for his involvement in smuggling one Mexican national from the Rio Grande to the checkpoint in exchange for money.

According to the U.S Department of Justice, Venecia took his girlfriend and her minor daughter with him in early January to smuggle the Mexican national through the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint.

During the initial inspection, the Mexican national admitted to being in the United States without papers.

Evidence on Venecia's phone revealed videos of immigrants after they crossed the Rio Grande.

Additional evidence revealed text messages showing that Venecia would be paid $1,250 when the undocumented immigrants made it to their next destination.

While on bond awaiting sentencing, Venecia was caught assisting his girlfriend during her attempt to smuggle others further into the United States.

His bond was subsequently revoked, and he was ordered into custody.