UIW Student Will Remain in Federal Custody on Cash Smuggling Charges

University of the Incarnate Word student turned alleged international cash smuggler Rafael Gabriel Martinez Leal made an appearance in federal court today and waited his right to a detention hearing on charges that he and another teens attempted to smuggle nearly a million dolllars into Mexico on a private jet, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.

That means he will remain in custody.

According to court papers, Martinez told agents he had been smuggling cash for months, flying about a million dollars a week to Monterrey Mexico.

He was arrested at San Antonio International Airport.  

He and his two co defendant face up to five years in prison on charges of violating several international currency reporting laws.

Martinez is related to a member of Mexico President Elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's transition team.


View Full Site