Albanian National Indicted For Alien Smuggling

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – On April 30, 2015, Ergys Metashi (34), of Albania, was indicted on one count of bringing an alien into the United States without authorization, announces United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Homeland Security Investigations, Resident Agent in Charge Brian Devine.

The indictment charges Mr. Metashi, a commercial truck driver from Albania who lives and works in Canada, with bringing an alien into the United States from Canada at the port of entry at Alexandria Bay, New York, on March 31, 2015. Mr. Metashi allegedly agreed to smuggle the alien into the United States by hiding the alien in the sleeping compartment of a tractor trailer in exchange for payment. Law enforcement officials at the border found the alien hiding under a blanket and arrested Mr. Metashi. If convicted, Mr. Metashi faces up to ten years in prison. Following a detention hearing, Magistrate Judge Andrew T. Baxter ordered Mr. Metashi to be detained pending trial.

The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael F. Perry.

For additional information, contact Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney John G. Duncan at 315- 448-0672.

The charges and allegations announced today are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.