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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- The man prosecutors called the "coyote" responsible for a fatal van rollover that killed two has pleaded guilty to federal court charges.
Raul Ramirez-Becerra, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of aiding in the transport of 14 illegal immigrants.
Prosecutors contend Ramirez-Becerra, who initially said his name was Ramses Castellano-Lin, was paid by a group of immigrants to smuggle them into the United States. A van carrying 14 immigrants and Ramirez-Beccera rolled near Moab on Oct. 11, 2005. Two people were killed and injuring others.
Ramirez-Becerra was injured, but walked away from an area hospital. He was arrested in July in Phoenix.
The driver of the van, who fell asleep at the wheel, also pleaded guilty to charges last year and was sentenced to two years in federal prison.
Ramirez-Beccera is scheduled for sentencing Jan. 10.
Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
