CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A 21-year-old Penitas resident has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for his involvement in smuggling and harboring illegal aliens, according to Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.
Jesus Grimaldo, also known as Chuy, pleaded guilty on October 22, 2025. U.S. District Judge David S. Morales ordered Grimaldo to serve the maximum sentence of 120 months, followed by three years of supervised release. The court enhanced the sentence, citing Grimaldo’s responsibility for smuggling over 100 illegal aliens, using or brandishing a firearm, and placing smuggled individuals in danger, among other charges.
The investigation began on May 8, 2024, when authorities found a deceased man on the side of the road in Brooks County. The man, identified as an illegal alien from Mexico, died from heat exposure. An analysis of his phone revealed payments to Grimaldo via CashApp and Zelle.
Further investigation showed Grimaldo coordinated multiple smuggling operations between June 2022 and April 2025, recruiting drivers and arranging trips past Border Patrol checkpoints. He received substantial payments for his role in the organization, which included transporting aliens in vehicle trunks during extreme heat.
Grimaldo will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility. The investigation was conducted by BP, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda Gould and Joseph Griffith prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative targeting illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations.