by | Published
A Houston man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for smuggling people through Frio County.
31-year-old Andre Albert Coronado-Vigil pleaded guilty on August 5, 2025, and asked the court to decide his punishment. On September 10, the court sentenced him to a decade behind bars.
The case stemmed from an April 19, 2024, traffic stop near Pearsall, when a Frio County Sheriff’s deputy clocked Coronado-Vigil driving 81 mph in a 70 mph zone. When the SUV pulled over, several passengers ran into nearby brush, and another was found hiding inside the vehicle. Coronado-Vigil was arrested at the scene.
During sentencing, the court reviewed his criminal history, which included a pending Sexual Assault of a Child charge out of Harris County. Prosecutors also noted Coronado-Vigil’s statements downplaying his actions, claiming, “this is not illegal in Houston, this is just a border scam.”
Prosecutor Kenny Lam of the Border Prosecution Unit handled the case, commending the Frio County Sheriff’s Office for their role in combating human smuggling.
