Five people have been indicted for transporting illegal aliens within the United States.

The indictments by a federal grand jury were announced by U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer.

A three-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges the following suspects with conspiracy to transport illegal aliens within the United States for profit, unlawful employment of illegal aliens, and money laundering:

• Crystal Gail Escalante, 37, of Haleyville, Ala.
• Deivin Marquitos Escalante-Vasques, 30, of Haleyville, Ala.
• Adan Riz-Simaj, 33
• Carlos Gutierrez-Gabriel, 23
• Tomas Gabriel-Adjualip, 30

According to the indictment, between January 2018 and October 2020, the defendants transported and employed illegal aliens in Walker and Winston counties.

The maximum penalty for conspiracy to transport illegal aliens within the United States is 10 years in prison.  The maximum penalty for unlawful employment of illegal aliens is 10 years in prison.  The maximum penalty for money laundering is 20 years in prison.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell Penfield is prosecuting the case.

An indictment contains only charges.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.