A NCIS Sting ends in the arrest of 18 Marines.

Yesterday NCIS, Border Patrol Agents, and other law enforcement agencies announced the arrest of 16 Marines suspected of being involved in human smuggling and/or drugs.

On the morning of July 25, 2019, officials from 1st Marine Division worked alongside the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) to carry out the arrest of 16 Marines during a Battalion formation at Camp Pendleton, California. 

The 16 Marines were arrested for alleged involvement in various illegal activities ranging from human smuggling to drug-related offenses. Information gained from a previous human smuggling investigation precipitated the arrests. 

An additional 8 Marines were taken aside to be questioned on their involvement in alleged drug offenses unrelated to today’s arrests.
None of the Marines arrested or detained for questioning served in support of the Southwest Border Support mission.

Today two more were arrested.

Although identities have not been released, the NCIS sting has been ongoing for some time, netting two suspects earlier in July.

Here is how it came down in that incident:

COMPLAINT:
Byron Darnell LAW II,
David Javier SALAZAR-Quintero

The undersigned complainant being, duly sworn, states:
On or about July 03, 2019, within the Southern District of California, defendant Byron Darnell LAW II and David Javier SALAZAR””Quintero, with the intent to violate the immigration laws of the United States, knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that certain aliens-, namely,

Samuel ADAME-Saldana, Sandra A VEND ANO-Miguel, and Virginio Roberto AVENDANO- Rosales, had come to, entered and remained in the United States in violation of law, did knowingly transport and move-, said aliens within the United States in furtherance of such violation of law, and which was done for the purpose of commercial advantage or private financial gain; in violation of Title 8, United States Code-, Section 1324(a)(l)(A)(ii)_
And the complainant further states that this complaint is based on the attached statement of facts, which is incorporated herein by reference.

July 3, 2019, Border Patrol Agents C. Anderson, and E. Pepe, were conducting assigned duties in the Boulevard Border Patrol Station’s area of responsibility. At approximately 10:00 AM, Agent Anderson was on foot checking layup spots along IntetState 8 near while other agents were tracking footprints of suspected illegal aliens south of his position. Agent Anderson noticed a small black car pull over onto a dirt turnaround from Interstate 8. Agent Anderson believed this could be a vehicle looking to pick up the suspected illegal aliens he was searching for. Agent Anderson attempted to get a better look at the vehicle, but before he could get in
position the vehicle pulled back on to Interstate 8. Agent Anderson went to the spot where he had seen the vehicle and noticed fresh footprints leading to where the vehicle was momentarily parked. Agent Anderson relayed this information to other Agents in the area.

Agent E. Pepe spotted a black vehicle which matched the description that Agent Anderson had relayed. Agent Pepe activated his emergency equipment in order to pulled the vehicle over and the vehicle yielded. This area is located approximately seven miles north of1he United States/
Mexico International Border, and approximately 20 miles east of the , Califomia Port of Entry. Agent Pepe approached the vehicle, identified himself as a Border Paul agent and conducted an immigration inspection on the five individuals in the vehicle.

The driver, later identified as defendant Byron Darnell LAW 1L and the passenger, later identified as defendant David Javier SALAZAR-Quintero, stated to be United States citizens.

All three back seat passengers, later identified as material witness Samud ADAME-Saldana, Sandra A VEND ANO-Miguel~ and Virgino Roberto A VENDANO-R~Stated they are citizens of Mexico without any immigration documents that would.allow them to enter or remain in the United States legally. All five subjects were placed under arrest.

Marine stationed out of the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton LAW claimed that co- passenger, David Javier SALAZAR-Quintero, was the individual responsible for organizing the event. LAW stated that last night, SALAZAR called and asked him if he was willing to make
$1000.00 USD picking up an illegal alien. On July 2, 2019, at approximately 10:30 PM, LAW and SALAZAR traveled to Jacumba, California and were being guided via cell phone instructions from an unknown Mexico number.
LAW stated that SALAZAR was the one on the cell phone receiving directions from the south side spotter due to being proficient in the Spanish language. LAW stated they picked up a single illegal alien at the Jacumba Exit on the eastbound lanes of Interstate 8 and transported him to a McDonald’s parking lot in Del Mar. They met with an individual who arrived in a blue Nissan Murano. LAW claimed they were never paid for the event and traveled back to base after the exchange.
On today’s date, at approximately 9 :-00 AM, LAW stated that SALZAR again called him for another job, this time guaranteeing they would get paid for today’s and last night’s event in cash.
As they passed up the Jacumba Hot Springs exit, they were instructed to tum around at the nearest emergency turnaround along the median on Interstate 8. As they continued traveling on 1-8, now westbound, they were instructed to pull over at the Jacumba Hot Springs next exit sign. Within a few seconds, LAW stated that three illegal aliens from the northern shoulder of I-8 and enter his vehicle.

SALAZAR was advised of his Miranda Rights and was willing to answer questions without an attorney present. SALAZAR stated he was
originally introduced to smuggling by Byron Darnel Law II (Co-Principal)-who introduced him to a man that recruited him. SALAZAR stated that the recruiter drives an older blue Nissan Rogue. SALAZAR stated he has met with the recruiter on several different occasions. Rojas stated they have met at the Between the Sheets Plaza in Solano Beach and at an apartment complex where the recruiter resides.

SALAZAR admitted to coming to Jacumba to pick up on four different occasions. SALAZAR stated that the first time he did not pick 211y one up and the second occasion he picked u p at the “Jacumba l Mile. ” SALAZAR brought his 2017 Toyota Corolla for that event. SALAZAR stated he was going to be paid $500 but hasn’t been paid. SALAZAR stated he came last night, July 2. SALAZAR was with LAW II in a black BMW. SALAZAR admitted to picking up three illegal aliens and took them to Selma Beach CA.

Material witnesses Samuel ADAME-Saldana, Virginio Roberto A VENDANDO-Rosales, Sandra AVENDANO-Miguel were interviewed, all admitted to making smuggling arrangements. All material witnesses stated they were picked up by a black car and that they were instructed via cell phone to get into the car. They also stated the passenger opened the
door for them. AVENDANO-Rosales and AVENDANO-Miguel stated they were going to pay $8,000 USD, to be smuggled into the United States. With destinations to New Jersey and Los Angeles. All three material witnesses were presented with a photographic lineup and were able
to identify the driver as Byron LAW II. HERE FOR THE COMPLAINT