A twice-deported Honduran immigrant will spend the next 37 years in prison after masterminding a burglary network targeting ethnic communities in North Texas.

At a Glance

• Sergio Cardenas-Salinas sentenced to 37 years for running a burglary network in North Texas.
• The network targeted ethnic communities in Collin County, stealing cash and valuables.
• Investigations by Plano Police led to the arrest of nine individuals linked to the crimes.
• Cardenas-Salinas had previously been deported twice and had a prior criminal record.

Key Details of the Burglary Network

Sergio Cardenas-Salinas, 30, a Honduran national, received a 37-year sentence for his role in a well-coordinated burglary network across North Texas. Based in Houston, this network included individuals from Guatemala, Honduras, and Venezuela. They primarily targeted homes in ethnic communities within Collin County, assuming these residents stored significant assets, such as cash and valuable jewelry, in their homes.

The burglaries spanned from July 16 to September 5, 2023, specifically affecting the cities of Plano, Prosper, and McKinney. A thorough investigation by the Plano Police Department led to the identification of a vehicle associated with the burglaries, resulting in the arrest of nine individuals from the criminal network.

A 30-year-old Honduran man has been sentenced to 37 years in prison after being convicted of engaging in organized criminal activity in North Texas, which is a first-degree felony. https://t.co/OlQ9O1kfY3

— FOX 4 NEWS (@FOX4) October 18, 2024

Criminal History and Sentencing

Cardenas-Salinas, previously deported twice for illegal entry into the U.S., directed the burglary operations, specifying which homes to hit and managing the distribution of stolen goods. Despite the possibility of a life sentence, he received a 37-year sentence after pleading guilty. His criminal background was further tainted by a conviction for attempted deadly conduct, which saw him serve six months in state prison.

This network’s illicit activities have highlighted ongoing issues related to illegal immigration enforcement and the challenges in dismantling organized crime that infiltrates and threatens U.S. community stability and security.

Community Impact and Response

Collin County’s District Attorney, Greg Willis, reaffirmed the county’s commitment to safeguarding law-abiding citizens from such threats. The cooperation between the Collin County District Attorney’s Office and local law enforcement was pivotal in dismantling this network. The successful prosecution underlines the broader issue of insufficient immigration enforcement that can allow individuals like Cardenas-Salinas to repeatedly enter the U.S. and orchestrate criminal activities.

“Collin County will not tolerate criminal illegal aliens targeting our law-abiding citizens,” said District Attorney Greg Willis.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of effective immigration policies and robust local law enforcement collaborations in protecting American communities against persistent criminal threats.

Sources:

1. Honduran illegal immigrant deported from US twice, sentenced for leading Texas burglary ring: ‘Masterminded’
2. Twice-deported Honduran ringleader of burglary crew sentenced to 37 years
3. Honduran illegal immigrant deported from US twice, sentenced for leading Texas burglary ring: ‘Masterminded’
4. Ringleader of Burglary Ring Sentenced to 37 Years in Prison for Targeting Collin County Residents
5. 6 Honduran immigrants arrested, charged with burglarizing 70 homes in Fort Bend County