A Bexar County Sheriff’s operation at a Von Ormy gas station unveiled a human smuggling scheme involving an 18-wheeler, leading to the arrest of three suspects.
SAN ANTONIO — A surveillance operation at a Von Ormy gas station last week led to a human-smuggling bust, according to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office.
BCSO’s Organized Crime Division was tipped off about a possible human-smuggling 18-wheeler heading up from Laredo toward San Antonio so, on Wednesday, Nov. 19, undercover deputies parked themselves at a Love’s gas station along I-35.
Authorities said around 11:30 p.m., deputies saw a gray Chevrolet Tahoe with Texas plates pull into the station and “parked suspiciously near the pumps.” Investigators were able to link the vehicle’s address to several previous human-smuggling cases. Deputies followed the Tahoe as it left the gas station.
According to BCSO, the Tahoe met up with an 18-wheeler behind a nearby Valero gas station. The two vehicles reportedly had a brief exchange before heading off in different directions. Deputies then initiated a traffic stop on the Tahoe, identifying the driver as Juan Hernandez Balderas, along with a second man who deputies later identified as a smuggling victim. Investigators say the man told them he had recently crossed the border and was being transported toward San Antonio.
Authorities said deputies also conducted a traffic stop on the 18-wheeler near I-35 and Loop 1604. The driver, Alfredo Israel Juarez Flores and passenger, Alejandro Cantero Chavez gave investigators conflicting stories about their stop at Valero.
All three suspects were taken in for questioning and later booked into the Bexar County jail on multiple charges.
Balderas, Flores and Chavez were all charged with Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity and Smuggling of Persons for Pecuniary Benefit.