3 Indicted for Allegedly Providing Phony Documents to Border Crossers

Three alleged smugglers of illegal immigrants were indicted Wednesday as part of a fraudulent document ring that authorities say was making an average $30,000 a month.

The ring allegedly sold phony documents that allowed illegal immigrants to enter the United States through the San Ysidro port of entry rather than attempt the arduous overland trek.

“These indictments are a major blow to alien smugglers who have operated in the San Ysidro area for years,” said U.S. Atty. Alan Bersin.

Authorities found 900 documents in a hidden compartment at the Chula Vista home of the alleged ringleader, Geremias Sanchez-Gutierrez, described as a veteran smuggler of illegal immigrants. Some documents had been stolen, others were manufactured, prosecutors said.

Officials said Sanchez-Gutierrez had phony documents for his own smuggling operation and for sale to other smugglers. The documents sold for $1,000 or more each, often payable when the immigrant reached family members in the United States, officials said.

Sanchez-Gutierrez and co-defendants Maria Martinez-Duenas and Carlos Garcia-Caceras face felony charges of alien smuggling, which carry a minimum three-year term, and charges of possessing false documents. More arrests are expected, officials said.