A woman from Hogansburg, New York, Janet Terrance, has admitted guilt in a smuggling operation that resulted in the deaths of a family of four. The incident occurred on the St. Lawrence River and involved Indian and Romanian nationals being brought into the United States for financial gain.
Janet Terrance, 45, was part of a conspiracy with five others, including Dakota Montour and Kawisiiostha Celecia Sharrow. Both co-conspirators reside on the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation in New York and have already pled guilty to related charges.
Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon commented: “The defendant and her coconspirators — fueled by greed, indifference, and recklessness — smuggled aliens via vehicle and boat across the U.S.-Canada border in dangerous weather conditions. They endangered the lives of two small children and their parents for profit, resulting in the family’s tragic deaths.”
Acting United States Attorney Daniel Hanlon added: “A family of four died because a smuggling organization put them in harm’s way for profit. Our top priority is the prosecution and dismantling of smuggling organizations."
The group admitted to working with a human smuggling organization (HSO) on the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation (“the AMIR”) as well as Cornwall, Ontario, Canada. The HSO facilitated alien transport from mainland Cornwall to Cornwall Island before crossing into Northern New York.
In March 2023, Montour and Terrance were tasked with transporting a Romanian family—comprising two adults and two young children—across dangerous waters under poor weather conditions. Despite awareness of these risks, they proceeded with their plans; ultimately leading to tragedy when their boat capsized.
HSI Special Agent Erin Keegan stated: “The tragic deaths of two innocent, unknowing toddlers and their parents underscores the devastating impacts of alien smuggling.”
Ranatiiostha Swamp from Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service remarked: “By working closely with Homeland Security on this investigation, we are enhancing efforts to combat human smuggling."
Montour faces potential life imprisonment after pleading guilty to multiple charges including conspiracy to commit alien smuggling resulting in death. Sharrow's plea includes similar counts which carry mandatory minimums ranging up to 15 years per offense.
Prosecutors Jeffrey Stitt along with Jenna E. Reed are handling proceedings while extensive investigative efforts continue through agencies such as HSI Massena alongside other national bodies.
This case forms part of an ongoing Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force initiative aimed at dismantling high-risk human trafficking networks posing security threats or humanitarian concerns globally.
