ALBANY, NEW YORK – Moaze Ibrahim, age 33, a citizen of Mali residing in Irvington, New Jersey, was convicted today after a 3-day trial of transporting an illegal alien within the United States.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Robert N. Garcia, Chief Patrol Agent, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector.

Trial evidence showed that on December 29, 2017, Ibrahim drove to an area in Champlain, New York, where he picked up Hachim Rachid just south of the border.  Rachid, age 30, and a citizen of Mali residing in Canada, had just crossed the border on foot and was illegally present in the United States when he was picked up by Ibrahim.  Ibrahim then drove south and east away from the border. 

Rachid triggered a remote sensor as he crossed the border, alerting Border Patrol. Agents responded to the scene and encountered Ibrahim driving Rachid. 

Ibrahim was ordered to jail following the jury’s verdict.  As a result of his conviction, he faces up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced by United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino on July 11, 2019.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.    

Rachid was convicted on January 16, 2018 of the misdemeanor offense of entry without inspection, and sentenced to 30 days in jail.    

This case was investigated by Border Patrol and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.