Honduran was twice deported from the US and convicted of leading a burglary gang in Texas

An illegal immigrant from Honduras who was twice deported from the United States has been sentenced to 37 years in prison after being convicted of participating in organized crime in North Texas.

Collin County, Texas, District Attorney Greg Willis’ office announced Thursday the sentencing of Sergio Cardenas-Salinas, 30, of Houston, who led an organized criminal operation responsible for a series of high-profile residential burglaries.

A Collin County jury previously convicted Cardenas-Salinas of the crime, which is a first-degree felony.

Between July 16 and September 5, 2023, ten residents’ homes in Plano, Prosper and McKinney were raided by burglars seeking gold, jewelry and cash.

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An investigation into the burglaries conducted by the Plano Police Department revealed that a vehicle was associated with the suspects, and on September 5, 2023, officers pursued the vehicle, resulting in the arrest of nine people involved in the crimes.

During the investigation, investigators learned that the Houston-based burglary gang consisted of individuals from Guatemala, Honduras and Venezuela. The suspect targeted Middle Eastern, South Asian and Asian residents because the burglars believed they were storing large amounts of cash and valuables in their homes.

Investigators collected phone records, surveillance footage and other evidence that ultimately led to linking the crew to Cardenas-Salinas, who was proven to be the ringleader. Cardenas-Salinas would tell his crew which houses to target and how to distribute the stolen gold, investigators learned.

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Sergio Cardenas-Salinas, 30, was sentenced to 37 years in prison. (iStock)

Willis’ office said Cardenas-Salinas was deported from the U.S. twice for illegal entry, and yet he re-entered the country and “enacted” the crimes.

Cardenas-Salinas pleaded guilty to engaging in organized crime and faced life in prison.

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His criminal history included a conviction for attempted murder, for which he served six months in a state prison before being released.

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Although he faced a life sentence for involvement in organized crime, the jury decided to impose a sentence of 37 years.

“Collin County will not tolerate criminal illegal aliens attacking our law-abiding citizens,” Willis said. “Cardenas-Salinas had no right to be in this county, let alone this country. This lengthy sentence sends a clear message: We will protect our community from those who come here to commit crimes.”