Two Akwesasne Men Charged with Alien Smuggling

ALBANY, NEW YORK - Joseph Coffey, age 35, and Darren Cook, age 32, of Hogansburg, New York, were indicted yesterday for conspiracy to commit alien smuggling and three additional counts of alien smuggling. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia of the U.S. Border Patrol's Swanton Sector made the announcement.

On August 8, 2025, Coffey and Cook are alleged to have conspired with an alien smuggling organization in Canada to smuggle three aliens-two of which were from China, with the third being from the United Kingdom-across the St. Lawrence River and into the United States for profit. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The defendants will appear in federal court to be arraigned on the indictment before United States Magistrate Judge Gary L. Favro. The defendants were previously ordered detained and are presently in custody.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: "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 said: "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."

The charges of alien smuggling and conspiracy to commit alien smuggling carry a mandatory minimum prison term of 5 years and a maximum prison term of 15 years. A defendant's sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

United States Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Stitt is prosecuting the case.