CASA GRANDE, Ariz. — Two southern Arizona men were sentenced March 25 for their roles leading to the death of a 17-year-old undocumented noncitizen. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s United States Border Patrol and the Arizona Department of Public Safety investigated the case.
“Human smuggling places migrants and bystanders at immense risk — these profit-seeking criminals have no regard to human life and as such, treat migrants with complete disregard,” said HSI Arizona Special Agent in Charge Fransico B. Burrola. “HSI and our law enforcement partners are committed to stopping this illegal activity by working together and educating the public of dangers of human smuggling.”
Gerson Montano, 38, and Robert Dale Hart, 64, both of Tucson, are facing prison time. Montano, convicted of transportation of illegal aliens resulting in death, was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Hart, convicted of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens resulting in death, was sentenced to 51 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release.
On Aug. 3, 2022, at approximately 11 p.m., Arizona Department of Public Safety officers attempted to stop an SUV traveling west on Interstate 10. The SUV failed to yield, then abruptly pulled over in the center median. Multiple people fled from the vehicle and ran across eastbound lanes of traffic. Two individuals who fled were struck by a semitruck; both were undocumented noncitizens. One undocumented noncitizen, age 17, died at the scene, while the other was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
Montano was driving the SUV and fled on foot. During the subsequent investigation, agents learned Hart had hired Montano to transport the undocumented noncitizens.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Arizona in Phoenix Timothy Courchaine and Lisa E. Jennis prosecuted the case.
About HSI
HSI is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel and finance move. HSI’s workforce of more than 8,700 employees consists of more than 6,000 special agents assigned to 237 cities throughout the United States, and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’ largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.