Photo: Baudilio Benedicto Perez Lopez (DeSoto County Jail photo)
July 23 – Baudilio Benedicto Perez Lopez, a 26-year-old resident of Guatemala and an illegal alien, was sentenced in a DeSoto County court to 20 years in state prison for his role in a DUI-related crash that took place on June 3, 2023.
According to information from the DeSoto County District Attorney’s office, Perez Lopez was involved in a severe vehicle collision on state Highway 302. Olive Branch Police officers found Perez Lopez trapped in his vehicle, which contained empty bottles of Modelo Beer. He was subsequently transported to the hospital due to his injuries. The other driver involved in the accident died of her injuries.
The District Attorney’s office said that during the investigation, Perez Lopez presented a false Guatemalan identification card to the officers. His attempt to deceive law enforcement resulted in additional charges against him.
Perez Lopez, who had unlawfully entered the United States from Guatemala two years prior, was found to be operating his vehicle under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
“Today’s sentencing is a crucial step in delivering justice for the victim,” said District Attorney Matthew Barton. “This tragic and preventable incident highlights the severe consequences of driving under the influence; and the dismal failures of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, whose policies have left us with an open border and prevent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from enforcing U.S. immigration laws.”
Along with Monday’s sentencing, Barton released a letter he was sending to Vice President and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris urging to help close the Southern border and stop the flood of illegals into the United States. A copy of that letter is found here:
