Twenty-Two-Year-Old Woman Sentenced to One Year in Prison for Role as Social Media Recruiter for Alien Smugglers

TUCSON, Ariz. – Destiney Rae Montoya, 22, of Phoenix, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Raner C. Collins to 12 months and one day in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Montoya pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens for Profit on August 16, 2023. The offense includes a sentencing enhancement for being a coordinator.

Between 2021 and 2022, Montoya used social media to solicit and advertise for drivers to assist with smuggling undocumented noncitizens further into the United States after their arrival. Federal agents executed multiple warrants enabling them to trace Montoya’s illegal conduct and communications to establish her as a coordinator. 

Homeland Security Investigations – Douglas office conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.

CASE NUMBER:           23-CR-0277-TUC-RCC (JR)
RELEASE NUMBER:    2023-179_Montoya

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