Peter Buckshot, a 28-year-old resident of Massena, New York, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for his involvement in transporting illegal aliens. The announcement was made by United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Robert N. Garcia, Chief Patrol Agent of the United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector.
Buckshot had previously entered a guilty plea, admitting that on October 1, 2024, he picked up four individuals from Vietnam who had crossed illegally into the United States from Canada. During the incident, New York State Police attempted to stop Buckshot for speeding in Westville, N.Y. Buckshot evaded the police, leading them on a high-speed chase. He reached speeds of 80 mph in a 30 mph zone and 100 mph in a 55 mph zone. The chase ended when Buckshot crashed into a tree in Fort Covington, N.Y. The individuals he was transporting fled but were later apprehended. No injuries were reported from the crash.
Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes has also imposed a two-year supervised release term following Buckshot's prison sentence. Buckshot has remained in custody since his arrest on October 1, 2024.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the United States Border Patrol and the New York State Police, and the prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer.