On January 17, 2022, at approximately 12:00 PM, a CIU Trooper conducted a traffic stop for a traffic infraction on Interstate 10 eastbound, near mile marker 74, in Walton County, Florida.
The Trooper then contacted another CIU Trooper in the area to respond for back up. During the investigation, it was determined that there were nine (9) occupants, two (2) of which were the driver and passenger/ driver, within the vehicle, all who were in the country illegally. Further investigation determined that they were being transported to two (2) major cities here in Florida. During a roadside interview, we learned that the driver is being paid $500.00 dollars per individual to smuggle them into the United States for work. The passenger is a friend of the driver and is being paid to help him drive.
The driver and passenger have been arrested and are each being charged with seven counts of human smuggling.
Driver: Hugo Giovani Lopez-Gomez, 21-year-old male from Mexico Passenger: Gamaliel Alvarez-Hernandez, 22-year-old male from Mexico.
