Smuggler Gets 10 Years for Abandoning Woman to Die Near Ft. Huachuca

A man convicted of abandoning a woman in the mountains near Fort Huachuca, leading to her death, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. Jesus Ernesto Dessens-Romero, 28, of Agua Prieta, Sonora, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John Hinderaker after a jury found him guilty of multiple charges, including conspiracy to transport illegal immigrants and placing them in danger.

The incident began in February 2021, when Homeland Security Investigations received a report of a missing woman in the Huachuca Mountains, about 70 miles southeast of Tucson. Ariacne Lopez-Cortez, 23, had crossed into the U.S. illegally with her two sisters and a family friend, following Dessens-Romero into the harsh terrain. Harsh weather and physical ailments soon took a toll on Ariacne, causing severe symptoms including vomiting and hallucinations.

By the third day of the arduous journey, Ariacne could no longer walk, forcing the group to make a difficult decision. Dessens-Romero assured her siblings he would return for her after taking the others to safety but did not call 911. Instead, he contacted associates in his smuggling organization and continued the trek.

A search was initiated after Yaneira Lopez-Cortez, Ariacne’s sister, reported her missing. Multiple agencies, including U.S. Border Patrol and the Cochise County Sheriff’s Department, conducted a thorough search but could not locate her immediately. Despite promises to return, Dessens-Romero did not aid in the search efforts.

Nearly nine months later, members of SOS Búsqueda y Rescate found Ariacne’s skeletal remains on the Fort Huachuca installation. Dental records confirmed her identity. Prosecutors presented evidence that Dessens-Romero continued his smuggling operations even after Ariacne’s death.

Dessens-Romero’s defense claimed he made efforts to help Ariacne and only asked the family to remove social media posts to protect them from cartel retribution. However, the jury was convinced by the prosecution’s portrayal of his callous actions.

This case underscores the severe consequences of human smuggling, with Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasizing the exploitation and danger migrants face. The Justice Department vows to hold such smugglers accountable. U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino echoed this stance, highlighting the greed and recklessness involved.

The prosecution was part of Joint Task Force Alpha, aimed at dismantling human smuggling networks. Established in June 2021, the task force has made significant progress, arresting 305 individuals and seizing substantial assets.

The investigation, led by HSI agents in Douglas, was supported by numerous law enforcement agencies and led to significant legal action. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona managed the prosecution.