A 46-year-old South Carolina woman was Found Guilty of trafficking illegal aliens by a federal jury in Texas, U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei stated on Wednesday. Sharon Thompkins of Columbia was convicted late on July 15th, after a two-day trial.
The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on April 26th, when a blue tractor-trailer approached Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint 29 near Laredo. Ralph Young, 62, a Columbia, South Carolina resident, was driving the automobile, with Thompkins as a passenger.
During a routine inspection, an X-ray of the tractor-trailer detected anomalies inside the vehicle. Further inquiry revealed four illegal aliens hiding in the sleeper compartment, sitting side by side on the bed.
According to testimony presented at the trial, Thompkins agreed to assist Young in transporting the individuals. Evidence suggested that she told the aliens to sit in the sleeper compartment and close the curtains to escape detection.
Despite the defense’s contention that Thompkins was only present and did not actively participate in the illegal transfer, the jury debated for more than five hours before returning a guilty verdict.
US District Judge John A. Kazen presided over Thompkins’ trial and set his sentencing for September. She faces up to five years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. Thompkins has been and will remain in detention pending her sentencing hearing.
Ralph Young, who was driving the vehicle, already pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and is still in detention awaiting his sentence.
