McALLEN, Texas (Border Report) — A man from Mexico has admitted guilt to transporting migrants and leaving the body of a deceased migrant on a roadside in South Texas, according to U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei.

Authorities report that Victor Manuel Martinez-Gallegos, 24, a resident of Edinburg, collected several migrants and took them to a stash house on May 27, 2024, in Brownsville. Among this group was a Guatemalan individual who reportedly died at the site where they were being held by Martinez-Gallegos.

Martinez-Gallegos confessed to abandoning the body near a road in Brownsville, where it was later discovered and identified as the missing victim, according to Ganjei.

“Human smuggling is a cruel and perilous activity, often devoid of any mercy or compassion for those being transported,” said Ganjei. “I urge anyone thinking of employing a smuggler—whether for themselves or others—to reconsider and remain safe at home.”

Martinez-Gallegos is set for sentencing on Dec. 17 before U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera, with potential penalties of life imprisonment and fines up to $250,000.

Sandra Sanchez can be reached at SSanchez@BorderReport.com.