Michael P. Drescher Acting United States Attorney for the District of Vermont | U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont
A New Hampshire woman and a New York man have been sentenced for their involvement in transporting individuals who entered the United States illegally. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announced that Jody Lynn McGuire, 52, from Manchester, New Hampshire, received a sentence of time served—approximately two and a half months—followed by two years of supervised release. Her co-defendant, Tyler Kenneth George Leavine, 34, from Dannemora, New York, was previously sentenced to time served—about seven months—and also received two years of supervised release. Both had pleaded guilty to charges related to transporting illegal aliens.
Court documents show that on March 26, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol acted on a tip about an impending human smuggling operation in Alburgh, Vermont. Agents located a white Ford Edge with New York license plates in the area. Surveillance footage revealed several people running toward and entering the vehicle. When agents stopped the car, McGuire was driving and Leavine was in the front passenger seat. Three Indian nationals were found in the backseat; they did not have legal status or documentation to remain in the United States. According to law enforcement statements from both defendants, they had traveled to Alburgh specifically to pick up these individuals and expected payment for their role.
First Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher said: "I commend the investigatory efforts of the United States Border Patrol."
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Flynn prosecuted the case. Defense counsel included Assistant Federal Public Defender Emily Kenyon for McGuire and Kevin M. Henry for Leavine.
The prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a national initiative led by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling transnational criminal organizations.
