SYRACUSE – A Canadian man plead guilty to charges relating to the smuggling of illegal aliens into the united states near Fort Covington.  Donald Gallaher, 55, of Black Diamond, Alberta, entered a plea agreement in federal court.

Gallaher was arrested on July 22, 2011, after he entered the United States through the Port Covington Port of Entry. Shortly after Gallaher entered the United States, his two accomplices, Ross Brian James and John Duder, were detected after they illegally entered the United States.

It was discovered that Ross Brian James was carrying loaded firearms, registered to Gallaher, at the time of his arrest. John Duder pled guilty to misdemeanor entry without inspection and was sentenced to time served on August 2, 2011.

Ross Brian James pled guilty to illegal importation of firearms, and is awaiting sentencing.

Gallaher is scheduled to be sentenced on May 4, 2012, in Syracuse. A conviction of alien smuggling carries a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment and a fine up to $250,000. A judge that the defendant remain in the custody of the United States Marshals pending sentencing.