Former truck driver found guilty in conspiracy to transport 124 illegal immigrants

LAREDO, Texas — A federal jury sitting in Laredo has convicted a 67-year-old Laredo former truck driver of conspiring to transport illegal aliens in a sealed trailer, U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery announced on Wednesday, July 20.

The jury deliberated for two hours before convicting David William McKeon for conspiracy to transport undocumented aliens following a two-day trial.

On April 20, McKeon arrived at the Laredo North Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint while driving a tractor-trailer.

At that time, law enforcement heard suspicious noises coming from the trailer. They opened a vent door and discovered 124 locked behind the doors.

At trial, the jury heard that McKeon had said he was recruited for the job at his birthday party a few days earlier.

They heard he picked up the tractor-trailer from a dirt road then was given a fraudulent bill of lading in the parking lot of a Popeye’s restaurant before driving to the checkpoint.

However, the defense attempted to convince the jury that McKeon didn’t know there were aliens inside the trailer.

The jury ultimately found McKeon guilty of engaging in a conspiracy to transport the aliens.

U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo presided over trial and will set sentencing at a later date.

At that time, McKeon faces up to 10 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

McKeon has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of BP. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Bajew and David Fawcett are prosecuting the case.

The Trucker News Staff

The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.