EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 Federal agents investigating a failed smuggling attempt at a southern New Mexico checkpoint say they uncovered a stash house in El Paso where 16 undocumented people were being held, leading to charges against a 37-year-old man.<\/p>\n
According to court records, Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Border Patrol agents responded Feb. 13 to a failed alien smuggling attempt involving a tractor-trailer carrying 19 undocumented individuals at the Las Cruces Border Patrol Checkpoint on Interstate 25. <\/p>\n
Interviews and investigative findings led agents to a suspected stash house at a residence in El Paso, Texas.<\/p>\n
Agents executed a search warrant at the residence on Feb. 26 and encountered about 16 undocumented individuals inside, court records state. <\/p>\n
All said they were not U.S. citizens and did not have lawful immigration documents. The individuals were taken to the El Paso Border Patrol Station for processing.<\/p>\n
In subsequent interviews, two material witnesses identified Crescencio Pacheco Olvera, 37, as the caretaker of the stash house and as a transport driver involved in the alleged smuggling operation, according to court records. <\/p>\n
One witness said that after illegally entering the United States through a hole cut in the international border fence near Santa Teresa, New Mexico, they were transported to the El Paso residence by Pacheco Olvera.<\/p>\n
Pacheco Olvera is charged with conspiracy to harbor, transport and bring in undocumented individuals. He will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. <\/p>\n