A Mississippi man has been convicted by a federal jury for smuggling seven unauthorized immigrants in the sleeper cab of his tractor-trailer.
39-year-old Daniel McLaurin of Petal was convicted within just 15 minutes on Monday and now faces up to 10 years in prison as well as a possible fine of up to $250,000.
On April 22, McLaurin drove his tractor-trailer into a Border Patrol checkpoint on IH-35 north of Laredo, where he agreed to drive through an X-ray scanner. Subsequently, images were revealed of human bodies inside the tractor-trailer. A search was conducted, and seven undocumented individuals were found inside the tractor cab.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing at a later date. Until then, McLaurin has been permitted to remain on bond.
