The United States Attorney’s Office for Vermont March 27 has announced charges against two New York residents, Tyler Kenneth George Leavine, 34, of Dannemora, and Jody Lynn McGuire, 52, of Plattsburgh, for illegally transporting three Indian nationals within the United States. The three Indian citizens—Sandeep Chawla, 34, Jay Sisodiya Kumar, 27, and Chintan Patel, 29—have also been charged with illegal entry into the country.

Leavine and McGuire made their initial court appearances before United States Magistrate Judge Jerome J. Neidermeier on March 26. The judge ordered that both remain in detention while awaiting trial. Chawla, Kumar, and Patel pleaded guilty to illegal entry charges and were sentenced to time served. They had faced a maximum penalty of six months in prison.

Border Patrol intercepts smuggling attempt

According to court records, U.S. Border Patrol received a tip in the early hours of March 26, about a possible smuggling attempt in the vicinity of Hunter Road North in Alburgh. Agents responded and observed a vehicle with New York registration driving slowly through the area. Surveillance cameras later captured several individuals running toward the stopped vehicle in a gas station parking lot.

Border Patrol agents quickly intervened, stopping the vehicle and discovering McGuire and Leavine in the front seats, with Chawla, Kumar, and Patel in the back. When questioned, the three passengers identified themselves as Indian citizens. A subsequent search of Department of Homeland Security databases revealed that none of the three individuals had legal authorization to enter or remain in the United States.

Leavine and McGuire later admitted to authorities that they had been paid to transport the individuals.

Legal proceedings and potential sentences

While Chawla, Kumar, and Patel have already been sentenced, the legal process continues for Leavine and McGuire. They face up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000 if convicted. However, the final sentencing will be determined by the District Court, taking into account U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized that the criminal complaints contain allegations and that Leavine and McGuire are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Attempted illegal immigration from India has risen considerably in recent years, as reported in FirstPost.com:

“The USCBP’s fiscal year data, running from October to September, highlights a sharp increase in Indians attempting to cross into the United States through the Canadian border illegally. In 2022, out of 1,09,535 individuals attempting illegal crossings, Indians made up nearly 16 per cent. The numbers surged in 2023, with 1,89,402 illegal crossings recorded, of which 30,010 were Indian nationals. This year, the figures have risen again, with 43,764 Indians—about 22 per cent of the total 1,98,929 crossings—apprehended while trying to enter the US through its northern border.’