A veteran truck driver has pleaded guilty to charges of human smuggling.
Rodney William Gipson, a 30-year driver from Houston, admitted that he knew or recklessly disregarded the fact he was illegally transporting two dozen illegal aliens in his truck.
On Feb. 19, Gipson drove a tractor-trailer to the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint in Texas. there he claimed he was transporting a load from the Rio Grande Valley to Houston, but a K-9 soon alerted to the rear of the trailer.
At secondary inspection, law enforcement discovered 24 illegal aliens hidden inside the vehicle. They also found a cargo document showing the truck was supposed to be hauling a load of carrots.
Gipson was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.
Sentencing will be set a later date before U.S. District Judge David S. Morales. At that time, Gipson faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.
