Two men held without bail in Summit County on human smuggling, forgery suspicions

Photo: Utah Highway Patrol

Authorities allege human smuggling operation after traffic stop on I-80; suspects held on probable cause

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — Two men, Sergio Obeniel Esteban Rivera, 30, and Gudelio Garcia Bartolo, remain in Summit County Jail without bail following their arrests on Oct. 26, 2024, on suspicion of human smuggling and forgery, according to court records from the 3rd District Court.

The arrests occurred after Utah Highway Patrol Officer Christopher Hunt conducted a traffic stop on I-80 near milepost 161, where he observed “indicators common with human smuggling,” as described in the affidavit. Rivera, who was driving, reportedly admitted to transporting three non-U.S. citizens from California to Indiana for payment by a third party. Hunt noted that Rivera did not own the vehicle, which had logged over 45,000 miles in two months—a distance “consistent with human smuggling,” the affidavit states.

According to the affidavit, Bartolo, a passenger, was found in possession of a forged Social Security card and a forged permanent resident card. “Text messages on his mobile device promised payment upon arrival in Indiana,” Hunt wrote, suggesting Bartolo’s involvement. Both men are being held based on probable cause.

Authorities have deemed both men flight risks. Rivera allegedly showed law enforcement a one-way ticket to Guatemala for December, and Bartolo’s residency status raised additional concerns about potential evasion. Federal agencies, including the FBI, SBI, and ICE, have been alerted and are assisting with the investigation​.