REBECCA WEBSTER
Press-Republican
January 10, 2012

SYRACUSE — A Canadian man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court recently to alien smuggling.

According to a Department of Justice press release, Donald Murray Gallaher, 55, of Black Diamond, Alberta, was arrested on July 22, 2011, after entering the United States through the Fort Covington Port of Entry.

Shortly after, Ross Brian James and John Duder — referred to as Gallaher's accomplices in a District Court statement — were detected after they illegally entered the country.

James was found to be carrying loaded firearms, registered to Gallaher. James pleaded guilty to illegal importation of firearms and awaits sentencing by U.S. District Court Judge David N. Hurd.

Duder pleaded guilty to entry without inspection, a misdemeanor, and was sentenced by Magistrate Judge Larry Kudrle in Plattsburgh to time served.

Gallaher could see up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the felony smuggling charge.

The release said U.S. District Court Chief Judge Norman A. Mordue ordered that Gallaher remain in the custody of U.S. marshals until his sentencing in Syracuse on May 4.

Nick DiNicola, assistant special agent in charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations, said in the release that targeting smugglers is a top priority.

"As smugglers have shown time and time again, they have no qualms about putting our New York communities at risk by avoiding detection and scrutiny at our lawful ports of entry.

"Law enforcement will continue to aggressively pursue these individuals from Rouses Point to the Rio Grande Valley."

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