Man Charged In Smuggling Operation In CA Crash That Killed 13

CALIFORNIA — Federal prosecutors charged a man Tuesday for his suspected involvement in a smuggling operation that led to the deaths of 13 Mexican and Guatemalan people in an overloaded SUV in California earlier this month.

Jose Cruz Noguez, a 47-year-old legal resident of San Jose, Calif., who lived in Mexicali, Mexico, was taken into custody Monday after he crossed into the U.S. from Mexico at the Calexico Port of Entry, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California.

Cruz is accused of taking part in smuggling 44 people, who were crammed in two vehicles, a Ford Expedition and a GMC Yukon, to cross the border into the U.S., according to a criminal complaint filed Tuesday.

The crash site was about 125 miles east of San Diego in Holtville.

On March 2, the Ford Expedition, reportedly carrying 25 people, collided with a semi-truck, killing 13 people, the complaint details. An inspection of the Ford Expedition revealed that all seats but the driver's seat were removed to fit more passengers.

"These smuggling networks seek maximum profit by moving as many people as possible across the border with zero regard for their safety and well-being," said Acting U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman in a statement. “Cramming dozens of people into eight-passenger vehicles and driving recklessly to avoid detection shows an utter disregard for human life."

Seventeen passengers were Mexican — 10 died, including the driver, and seven were injured. Nine had major injuries, including two Guatemalans, officials said.

The youngest victim was a 15-year-old girl who was hospitalized for major injuries.

Cruz was identified by law enforcement after another suspected smuggler was arrested. The suspect claimed that he was working for Cruz.

Cruz was charged with "conspiracy to bring aliens to the U.S. outside a port of entry, causing serious bodily injury/placing life in jeopardy and bringing aliens without presentation for financial gain," according to the complaint.

If convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Bermudez ordered that Cruz remain in custody and scheduled a detention hearing for April 5.

READ MORE: 13 People Dead After CA Collision Between Big Rig And SUV

The Associated Press contributed to this report.