Smuggler linked to rollover that caused 10 deaths receives life sentence

PHOENIX - A convicted human smuggler from Michoacán, Mexico, was sentenced to life in prison today for causing a fatal rollover collision near Yuma, Ariz., nearly two years ago that claimed the lives of 10 people, including a pregnant woman and her unborn child.

Adan Pineda-Doval, 22, appeared before U.S. District Judge Stephen M. McNamee who sentenced the defendant to life imprisonment on each of the 10 counts of transporting illegal aliens resulting in death. In addition, the Judge sentenced Pineda-Doval to 20 years for transporting illegal aliens and placing their lives in jeopardy, and two years for re-entering the United States after deportation. All of the sentences will be served concurrently.

Pineda-Doval was found guilty by a federal jury in October last year on federal charges for causing a deadly vehicle accident that occurred while he transporting 20 illegal aliens, including two pregnant women, to Los Angeles. The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol (Yuma Sector), with assistance from the Yuma County Sheriff's Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

"This smuggler jeopardized human lives for personal profit. His 'criminal business' and personal greed resulted in the loss of ten lives here," said Diane Humetewa, United States Attorney for Arizona. "I applaud the jury's verdict and the law enforcement efforts that resulted in his conviction and the life sentence."