Former National Guardsman convicted in smuggling conspiracy

McALLEN, Texas – A 24-year-old man has admitted to being a scout for an alien smuggling group, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Derrick Terelle Sankey, a native of Alabama, was serving under the authority of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the Rio Grande Valley in 2021.

From March to September 2021, conspirators recruited Sankey into an existing alien smuggling group in which he would provide insight into counter-smuggling activities. He also scouted for vehicles he knew contained individuals who were illegally present in the United States in order to thwart law enforcement from detecting them.

As part of his plea, Sankey also admitted to providing law enforcement information to an alien smuggling organization. He also worked as a scout when loads of aliens would move from Starr and Hidalgo Counties to near the Border Patrol Checkpoint in Jim Wells County.

Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane will impose sentencing Nov. 12. At that time, Sankey faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

Homeland Security Investigations and DHS – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert L. Guerra Jr. is prosecuting the case.