A man from Rio Grande City has been sentenced to federal prison for illegally transporting an undocumented immigrant, as announced by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Jason Al Venecia, 42, pleaded guilty on March 26 and was ordered by U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos to serve a 24-month sentence followed by two years of supervised release.
During the court hearing, it was revealed that Venecia used his girlfriend and her minor daughter to smuggle the immigrant through a checkpoint. On January 2, Venecia approached the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint in a Cadillac SRX with two adult males in the front and an adult and minor female in the backseat. The male passenger admitted to being in the United States illegally.
Authorities discovered proof of life videos on Venecia’s phone from immigrants who had crossed the Rio Grande River, along with text messages indicating he would receive $1,250 upon their arrival at their next destination.
While awaiting sentencing on bond, Venecia was found assisting his girlfriend in another smuggling attempt. His bond was revoked, and he remains in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility.
Venecia’s girlfriend has also pleaded guilty to her charges in a separate case prosecuted in McAllen Division.
The investigation was conducted by Customs and Border Protection, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Pruitt prosecuting the case. This is part of Operation Take Back America, which aims to combat illegal immigration and dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
