Twice-deported Honduran burglary squad leader sentenced to 37 years

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McKINNEY, Texas – A 30-year-old Honduran man has been sentenced to 37 years in prison after being convicted of participating in organized criminal activity in North Texas, which is a first-degree felony.

District Attorney Greg Willis says Sergio Cardenas-Salinas led an organized criminal operation responsible for a string of high-profile home burglaries in Collin County.

Between July 16 and September 5, 2023, ten residents of Plano, Prosper and McKinney were targeted and burglarized. The burglars were looking for gold, jewelry and cash. The Plano Police Department’s investigation led to a vehicle linked to the suspects involved. Police followed the vehicle, leading to the arrest of nine others.

The burglary ring consisted of people from Guatemala, Honduras and Venezuela. They were all based in Houston. They specifically targeted people of Asian, South Asian and Middle Eastern descent. Investigators believe the burglars believed those communities kept large amounts of cash and valuables in their homes.

Plano police collected evidence linking Cardenas-Salinas and his crew to the burglaries.

Cardenas-Salinas, a Honduran citizen, was deported from the United States twice for illegal entry.

He pleaded guilty to participating in organized criminal activities. This crime carries a prison sentence of five to 99 years or life in prison. A jury determined his sentence of 37 years.

Cardenas-Salinas was previously convicted of attempted deadly conduct and was sentenced to six months in state prison.

“Collin County will not tolerate criminal illegal aliens targeting our law-abiding citizens,” said District Attorney Greg Willis. “Cardenas-Salinas had no right to reside in this county, let alone this country. This lengthy prison sentence sends a clear message: We will protect our community from those who come here to commit crimes.”