Guilty Plea in Transport of Illegals

Jackson, Miss.
Posted: 5:01 PM Mar 6, 2008
Last Updated: 5:01 PM Mar 6, 2008


The U.S. Attorney's Office in Jackson announced Thursday that James Leroy Pierson of South Carolina pleaded guilty to transporting illegal aliens via airplane for profit.

In a news release, officials said U.S. Customs began tracking a small private plans Jan. 28, 2008, from south Texas, with an expected stop in Meridian, Miss., based on the flight record.

Customs said the airplane made three previous trips from McAllen, Tex., to Clemson, South Carolina.

Officials said, when the plane stopped in Meridian, four passengers were removed and admitted to being illegal aliens, and that Pierson admitted he was being paid to fly them.

Person will be sentenced to June 2 at 9 a.m. The offense carries a maximum sentence of ten years and up to a $250,000 fine.

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