07/29/2026
Zavala County Jury finds Allanray Ian Nichol Guilty of Smuggling of Persons. Sentencing is set for October 16, 2026.
On July 28, 2026 after a two day trial, a jury found Allanray Ian Nichols guilty of Smuggling of Persons. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Roxanne Meraji and Ramses Betancourt of the 293rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred on February 25, 2023 when a DPS Trooper conducted a stop due to two traffic violations on a white and black Ford Victoria for: 1) no front license plate and 2) following too closely to the vehicle in front of him. The DPS Trooper then found who later were confirmed to be four undocumented individuals in the vehicle. The defendant was utilizing his security title to lie to the trooper and conceal those individuals int he vehicle.
After reviewing the evidence the jury found Allanray Ian Nichols guilty of the offense of Smuggling of Persons. Sentencing will be conducted by Judge Abascal on October 16th, 2026.
This achievement could not be done without the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Ryan Wilkinson and Federal Border Patrol Agent Aaron Gonzalez. The office of the District Attorney’s office has amazing help as well including DA Investigator Humberto Gutierrez & Paralegal Leslie Ibarra who assisted and worked on this case.
The 293rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office wants to remind the community that actions have consequences. Individuals who break the law will be held accountable. We remain committed to ensuring public safety and pursuing justice for the people of Zavala County.
