Apparent 'coyote' nabbed

Federal officials say they have arrested a "coyote" wanted in connection with a fatal van rollover in 2005 that killed two of some 15 illegal aliens being smuggled into the country.

Shortly after the Oct. 11, 2005, accident, 25-year-old Ramses Castellano-Lin, described by agents as a "coyote" paid by a group of illegal immigrants to smuggle them into the country, walked away from a Moab-area hospital.

Federal officials say Lin was found recently by immigration agents in Phoenix. On Tuesday, Lin appeared in U.S. District Court to face a charge of transporting illegal aliens resulting in death, a crime that carries the possibility of the death penalty.

U.S. Attorney for Utah spokeswoman Melodie Rydalch said whether prosecutors pursue the death penalty will be decided by the U.S. attorney general in Washington, D.C.

In July 2006, co-defendant Noe Luna-Escanola was sentenced to two years in federal prison for falling asleep while helping to drive the van, causing the accident. Prosecutors, however, said Lin was in charge of the smuggling operation.

During the sentencing, U.S. District Judge Dee Benson said Escanola should not be held responsible for trafficking illegal aliens.

Lin appeared in federal court Tuesday to be formally read the charge against him. Lin also acknowledged that his correct name is Raul Ramirez-Baccerra. A five-day jury trial has been set to begin on Sept. 10. Meanwhile, Baccerra will be held in federal custody on an immigration hold.

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