A man charged with attempting to smuggle $3 million worth of wedding dresses from the United States to Mexico was arrested Nov. 1 by federal immigration officials. The trailer full of dresses was stolen from the parking lot of a north Scottsdale hotel last November.
Investigators believe Alejandro Parra-Ruiz, 32, of Laveen hired a driver to haul the dresses across the Nogales border-crossing in April. Border patrol discovered the pricey goods after the driver tried to re-enter the United States with the trailer because Mexican officials refused him entry, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation reported the donated dresses stolen on Nov. 5, 2006. They were to be sold at a fundraising auction in Chicago. Authorities said the dresses were returned in April soon after they were found.
See the Tribune’s article on the dresses’ return.
In a phone call to the driver monitored by investigators, Parra-Ruiz denied any knowledge the dresses were stolen. He claimed he’d bought them at a local swap meet.
Parra-Ruiz is a citizen of Mexico and a legal permanent U.S. resident. A federal magistrate judge released him on a $15,000 bond on Nov. 2 pending his next court appearance. He has pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutors said an international smuggling conviction is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a $250,00 fine, or both.
