Two residents of Hogansburg, New York, Joseph Coffey and Darren Cook, were indicted on charges related to alien smuggling. The indictment includes one count of conspiracy to commit alien smuggling and three additional counts of alien smuggling. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia from the U.S. Border Patrol’s Swanton Sector.
According to authorities, on August 8, 2025, Coffey and Cook allegedly worked with a Canadian-based organization to transport three foreign nationals—two from China and one from the United Kingdom—across the St. Lawrence River into the United States for profit. The indictment states that these are accusations, and both men are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. Both defendants remain in custody after previously being ordered detained and will be arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Gary L. Favro.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “As alleged, Coffey and Cook, through their own greed to make a quick dollar, furthered the interests of dangerous alien smuggling organizations that put the people of our country in danger. What’s more, they utilized the Akwesasne Reservation ,which has been used by smugglers as a revolving door for moving aliens, drugs, and other contraband into the United States. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute alien smugglers, like Coffey and Cook, who put our country at risk.”
Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia commented: “The United States Border Patrol remains steadfast in its commitment to securing our borders and protecting the American people. Human smuggling is a dangerous and exploitative enterprise that preys on vulnerable individuals, placing them in harm’s way for the sole purpose of profit. Smugglers show a complete disregard for human life and the rule of law, often subjecting their victims to inhumane conditions and perilous journeys. We will continue to work tirelessly with our local, state, and federal partners, including the United States Attorney's Office, to dismantle these criminal networks and ensure justice is served. Let this serve as a warning to smugglers and traffickers: we will apprehend you, and we will hold you accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
If convicted on charges of alien smuggling or conspiracy to commit alien smuggling under federal statutes, defendants face mandatory minimum sentences of five years up to fifteen years in prison. Sentencing decisions are determined by a judge considering applicable laws as well as federal sentencing guidelines.
The case is being investigated by both U.S. Border Patrol agents and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Stitt leading prosecution efforts.
