Two Honduran men have been found guilty by a federal jury for their involvement in a scheme to smuggle individuals from Honduras into the United States. Hennessy Devon Cooper Zelaya, 30, and Rudy Jackson Hernandez, 37, were part of a group that conspired to bring Honduran nationals to the U.S., according to court documents and trial evidence.
In February 2022, they attempted to transport 23 migrants from Utila, Honduras, to Cocodrie, Louisiana, on a vessel named M/V Pop. Each migrant reportedly paid several thousand dollars for the journey. During the trip, the vessel experienced engine trouble in the Gulf of Mexico. The conspirators arranged for fuel delivery to the disabled boat; however, before it could reach them, the U.S. Coast Guard intercepted and towed it ashore.
Cooper Zelaya and Jackson Hernandez were involved in smuggling activities for nearly a year using two vessels: Masita III and M/V Pop. Once in the U.S., some migrants were placed in factories and businesses without authorization.
The defendants were convicted of conspiracy and attempting to unlawfully bring aliens into the U.S. for commercial gain. They face up to ten years in prison per count with sentencing yet to be scheduled.
Carl Allison, identified as the lead defendant, pleaded guilty last December to similar charges along with drug-related offenses. Three other co-conspirators also admitted guilt earlier last year.
The case was announced by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri; U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans; and Special Agent Eric DeLaune of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The investigation involved multiple agencies including HSI offices across various states and local law enforcement bodies.
Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), established by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in June 2021, played a significant role in this case by leveraging resources from the Department of Justice and Homeland Security against human smuggling networks.
Additionally, support came from Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT), which focus on dismantling high-level criminal organizations threatening national security or presenting humanitarian concerns.