Mexican National Indicted for Shooting at U.S. Border Patrol Agents

 In Del Rio today, a federal grand jury indicted 34-year-old Mexican national Sergio Trevino for allegedly shooting at two U.S. Border Patrol agents near Brackettville, announced U.S. Attorney Gregg N. Sofer; Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden, San Antonio Division; and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division.

According to court documents, on January 3, 2021, U.S. Border Patrol agents attempted to stop Trevino who was driving a Chevy Suburban northbound on Texas Ranch Road 334 just north of Brackettville.  A high-speed chase ensued as Trevino attempted to abscond.  During the pursuit, Trevino fired multiple shots at the agents.

Spike strips were used to bring the Suburban to a stop.  Trevino fled from the vehicle and was later apprehended.  Six Honduran nationals were found in the vehicle along with 28-year-old Jesseca Ann Whitmire, a U.S. citizen.

The indictment charges Trevino with one count of assault on a federal officer; one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence; one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens; one count of felon in possession of a firearm; and one count of being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. 

The indictment also charges Whitmire, 38, of Houston with conspiracy to transport illegal aliens. 

Trevino and Whitmire face up to 10 years in federal prison upon conviction of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens.  Trevino also faces, upon conviction, up to 20 years in federal prison for the assault charge; between 10 years and life in federal prison for using a firearm during a crime of violence; up to 10 years in federal prison for felon in possession; and up to 10 years in federal prison for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.

Trevino has a prior felony conviction for burglary of a habitation with intent to commit other felony.  Trevino and Whitmire have remained in federal custody since their arrests on January 3.

HSI and FBI are investigating this case.  The Texas Department of Public Safety, Kinney County Sheriff’s Office and Real County Sheriff’s Office assisted Border Patrol agents in apprehending Trevino, Whitmire and the illegal aliens.  Assistant U.S. Attorney John Cooper is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

An indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt.  The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.