McALLEN, Texas (Border Report) — The “ringleader” of a human smuggling operation called Cobra, and five others have been sentenced to prison in South Texas, according to Homeland Security Investigations.

Saul Torres-Martinez, 42, also known as “Cobra,” has been sentenced to 110 months, or nine years in prison, the U.S. Attorney’s office said.

Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane, of McAllen, found Torres-Martinez, a non-citizen from Houston, to be the leader or organizer of the smuggling operation in the Rio Grande Valley. The organization has been linked to a death and sexual assault, according to Homeland Security Investigations.

Also sentenced on April 30 were:

• Ernesto Mata Pioquinto, 32, of Mexico, sentenced to 52 months in prison;
• Marcelino Navarro Sanchez, 31, of Mexico, sentenced to 52 months in prison;
• and Luis Esteban Martinez, 41, of Alamo, Texas, to 52 months in prison.
• Robert Hernandez, 26, of Fresno, California, was sentenced to 39 months in prison.
• Noemi Silva, 39, of Wimauma, Florida, was sentenced to 87 months in prison.

The agency conducted a two-year investigation of the smuggling network, which officials say was responsible for moving more than 100 migrants from the Mexican border to Houston from 2018 to 2019.

The human smuggling organization was responsible for a smuggling fatality and an alleged sexual assault of another smuggled individual, according to court documents.

“Dismantling human smuggling networks has been a longtime focus for HSI, but when smuggling events result in migrant deaths, it intensifies our effort,” said HSI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. “Human smuggling is dangerous, but as this case demonstrates, it can also be deadly. HSI will not stop investigating and bringing smugglers to court to face justice. There can be no safe haven for smugglers who evade our nation’s laws and have reckless disregard for human life.”

In handing down the sentence, Crane noted the seriousness of the offense and expressed concern regarding the harm Torres-Martinez caused to the community.

Torres-Martinez, Pioquinto and Sanchez are expected to face removal proceedings following the completion of their respective sentences.

Officials urge the public to report suspicious behavior at the HSI Tip Line: (877) HSI-4-TIP (877-474-4847). The line is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Sandra Sanchez can be reached at SSanchez@BorderReport.com.