New York Man Sentenced to 6 Months in Federal Prison for Human Smuggling

CONCORD - A Brooklyn New York man was sentenced today in federal court in Concord for smuggling unauthorized immigrants, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Abraham Hernandez, 27, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott to 6 months in prison and 1 year of supervised release. On January 17, 2024, Hernandez pleaded guilty to three counts of bringing in or harboring certain aliens.

"The defendant deliberately evaded United States immigration laws by smuggling unauthorized immigrants into this country as cargo," U.S. Attorney Young said. "Illegally crossing the northern border through the Great North Woods is dangerous and risks human lives. The U.S. Attorney's Office and the U.S. Border Patrol agents will continue to target those who pose a threat to U.S. border security and deliver consequences to those who prioritize their own profits over the safety of others and the laws of this country."

"Effective enforcement hinges on real penalties for criminal actions," said Border Patrol Swanton Sector Chief Robert N. Garcia. "Border Patrol continues to enforce the laws of the United States and this prosecution by U.S. Attorney Young and decision by U.S. Court Judge Elliot demonstrates that those attempting to break those laws will be held accountable," he added.

According to the charging documents, on or about June 13, 2023, Abraham was stopped in Pittsburg, New Hampshire while transporting in a Honda SUV nine unauthorized immigrants who were in the United States in violation of law.

The United States Border Patrol led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Ward prosecuted the case.

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