() Two men received long prison sentences in San Antonio, Texas, after being found guilty of the deadliest human smuggling incident in modern U.S. history.
A U.S. judge sentenced Armando Gonzales-Ortega, 55, to 87 1/2 years (1,050 months), while Felipe Orduna-Torres, 32, was handed two life sentences. They were also fined $250,000 each.
Three years ago, 53 people died while 11 survived during a smuggling attempt by Gonzales-Ortega and Orduna-Torres. Most of the victims hailed from Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras.
Officials added that Orduna-Torres won some lottery money during his jail time, which will be used to cover this fine. Orduna-Torres is subject to deportation.
In addition, the judge acknowledged Orduna-Torres is not safe for people in Mexico. The judge noted that he doesn’t want to hear ever that he could be deported or could be taken by ICE.
Around six more people are still waiting to be charged. There are cases still pending for them.
