TUCSON, AZ – A Phoenix man, Kevin Rojo-Barron, 21, has been sentenced to 144 months in federal prison for his involvement in a deadly human smuggling-related crash that occurred on the Tohono O’odham Nation. The sentence, handed down by United States District Judge Scott H. Rash, stems from Rojo-Barron’s guilty plea on July 18, 2024, to charges of Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens for Profit Resulting in Death and Transportation of Illegal Aliens for Profit Resulting in Death.
The tragic incident unfolded on March 2, 2023, near the town of Why. Rojo-Barron was driving northbound on Federal Route 1 at a high speed when he failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of State Route 86 and Federal Route 1. His vehicle collided with another car traveling eastbound, resulting in the deaths of all three passengers—members of the Tohono O’odham Nation—in the other vehicle.
Further investigation revealed that Rojo-Barron was engaged in human smuggling at the time of the crash, with four undocumented noncitizens in his vehicle. One of the noncitizens died from injuries sustained in the crash, and another was left permanently injured. Authorities also discovered an AR-15-style rifle inside Rojo-Barron’s vehicle.
“This senseless tragedy underscores the devastating human cost of human smuggling operations,” said a representative from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations-Sells, Customs and Border Protection’s United States Border Patrol, and the Tohono O’odham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Y. Chamblee and Ryan P. DeJoe, based in Tucson, handled the prosecution.
This case highlights the commitment of federal authorities to combating human smuggling and ensuring justice for victims impacted by such crimes. Rojo-Barron’s conviction and sentence serve as a stark reminder of the severe consequences of engaging in illegal activities that jeopardize human lives.
