Two Honduran nationals, Hennessy Devon Cooper Zelaya and Rudy Jackson Hernandez, have been sentenced to three years in prison for their involvement in an international human smuggling operation. The scheme involved smuggling Honduran nationals into the United States using vessels from Utila, Honduras, to Louisiana.
Court documents revealed that over nearly a year, Cooper Zelaya and Hernandez collaborated with at least six others to transport individuals illegally. These individuals or their families paid substantial sums for passage to the U.S., where they were met by accomplices who facilitated further travel within the country. Some were placed in jobs despite lacking legal authorization.
In February 2022, the defendants attempted to bring 23 Honduran nationals aboard the M/V Pop to Cocodrie, Louisiana. However, engine trouble left the vessel stranded until intercepted by the U.S. Coast Guard. Authorities found 24 kilograms of cocaine on board.
Both men were convicted of conspiracy and attempting to unlawfully bring aliens into the U.S. for financial gain. Carl Allison, another key figure in the case, pleaded guilty earlier to related charges involving human smuggling and drug distribution.
Three other co-conspirators also pleaded guilty last year: Darrel Martinez and Josue Flores-Villeda faced similar charges as Allison; Lenord Cooper admitted guilt in aiding illegal entry attempts. Olvin Javier Velasquez Maldonado was extradited from Honduras and is awaiting trial on drug-related charges.
The announcement came from Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson for the Eastern District of Louisiana, and Special Agent Eric DeLaune of HSI New Orleans Field Office.
The investigation was conducted by multiple agencies including HSI offices across several states and various law enforcement bodies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection and local police departments.
Prosecution was led by Deputy Chief Rami Badawy of HRSP and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter Guice for Eastern District of Louisiana with support from international justice departments.
This case highlights efforts by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA) targeting transnational criminal organizations involved in human smuggling across Central America impacting U.S border security.
Additionally supported by OCDETF and ECT program focusing on dismantling high-level criminal networks threatening national security or presenting humanitarian concerns through collaborative intelligence-driven approaches involving federal state local authorities alongside foreign partners under Operation Take Back America initiative against illegal immigration cartel activities violent crime perpetrators nationwide streamlining resources towards these objectives effectively efficiently protecting communities safeguarding borders combating organized crime drug enforcement task forces project safe neighborhood endeavors alike ultimately achieving total elimination threats posed therein accordingly proactively responsibly assertively concertedly diligently unwaveringly determinedly steadfastly resolutely tenaciously perseveringly relentlessly unyieldingly indefatigably tirelessly unswervingly persistently continuously consistently enduringly unwavering unsparing unfaltering undeviating 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