Eduardo Domingo Renoj-Matul, 52, a Guatemalan national known as “Turko,” “El Jefe,” “Patrón,” and “El Gallo,” pleaded guilty on March 6 to leading a major human smuggling operation.
Operation Scope
From 2019 to July 2024, he smuggled about 20,000 Guatemalans into the U.S. for $15,000–$18,000 each, coordinating with Mexican groups for border crossings and providing U.S. transport to states like Alabama, Florida, and New York. He oversaw cells, drivers, and Los Angeles stash houses where migrants were held until fees were paid.
Hostage Taking and Charges
Renoj-Matul admitted holding two migrants hostage in 2024, threatening one’s mother and vowing to kill or injure the other to force payments. He faces one count each of conspiracy to bring/transport/harbor aliens for financial gain and hostage taking, with a possible life sentence at his October 2 hearing.
Co-Defendants
Driver José Paxtor-Oxlaj, 45, and right-hand man Cristóbal Mejia-Chaj, 50, face trial April 21 after pleading not guilty. Lieutenant Helmer Obispo-Hernández, 42, remains a fugitive.
