Jury Convicts New Jersey Man of Alien Smuggling

Albany, NEW YORK - Kenneth Moore, age 41, of New Jersey, was convicted today of two counts of alien smuggling for private financial gain, following a 3-day jury trial.

United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Chief Patrol Agent Robert N. Garcia, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector, made the announcement.

The evidence at trial established that on June 20, 2023, Moore traveled from New Jersey to an area just south of the Canadian Border in Clinton County, New York, to pick up several people who had illegally crossed into the United States at a place other than a Port of Entry. Moore anticipated being paid $3,000 for his services but was quickly apprehended by agents from the United States Border Patrol.

Jurors could not reach a verdict on one count of conspiracy to commit alien smuggling.

Sentencing is scheduled for February 25, 2025, before United States District Judge Mae A. D'Agostino, at which time Moore faces a mandatory term of 3 years in prison and up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant's sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

United States Border Patrol investigated this case with assistance from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen J. Vickey and Joseph S. Hartunian are prosecuting this case.