SAN ANTONIO – The driver of a tractor-trailer, packed with people in the country illegally, has a criminal past, according to officials.

James Matthew Bradley Jr. is charged with knowingly transporting undocumented immigrants. He was arrested in San Antonio.

His criminal past spans two states. In 2004, Bradley Jr. was arrested in Florida for grand theft motor vehicle and being a fugitive from Colorado.

In these latest charges against him, Bradley Jr. claims he did not know there were people crowded in the back of his truck. Eight people were found dead inside and two others died later.

Investigators said they believe there may have been up to 100 people inside the truck.

Related Story: Iowa firm tied to truck deaths has history of legal problems

One person who survived gave details to the police, saying people began hitting the trailer walls and making noise to get the drivers attention.

The driver never stopped.

As the air around them grew hotter, the people inside used a hole in the trailer wall for ventilation, taking turns breathing from the hole.

Bradley Jr. will be appointed two attorneys. A preliminary and detention hearing is set for Thursday.

The 60-year-old could face the death penalty or life behind bars, if convicted.