New Orleans, LA – Two Honduran nationals, Hennessy Devon Cooper Zelaya (30) and Rudy Jackson Hernandez (37), were convicted Monday by a federal jury for their roles in a large-scale smuggling operation aimed at bringing migrants from Honduras into the United States illegally.
According to court documents and evidence presented during the trial, Cooper Zelaya and Hernandez were part of an elaborate scheme that involved at least six co-conspirators. The group orchestrated the transport of Honduran nationals, many of whom paid thousands of dollars to be smuggled into the U.S. in search of work and better opportunities.
The operation came to a halt in February 2022, when the defendants attempted to transport 23 Honduran migrants aboard a 65-foot sportfishing vessel, the M/V Pop, from the island of Utila, Honduras, to Cocodrie, Louisiana. But the journey took a dangerous turn when the vessel suffered engine failure in the Gulf of Mexico, leaving the migrants stranded at sea.
As the situation grew dire, the co-conspirators arranged for another boat to deliver fuel to the disabled M/V Pop so it could continue its journey to the U.S. However, before the fuel could reach the vessel, the U.S. Coast Guard intercepted the ship approximately 75 miles off the Louisiana coast. The Coast Guard towed the vessel back to shore, preventing further illegal entry into the United States.
Over the course of nearly a year, Cooper Zelaya and Hernandez, along with their co-conspirators, facilitated the illegal entry of Honduran migrants into the U.S. aboard two vessels: the Masita III and the M/V Pop. Upon arrival, some of the migrants were placed in factories and other businesses, where the smuggling ring exploited them for labor despite their lack of legal authorization to enter, remain, or work in the United States.
Both men were convicted of one count of conspiracy to unlawfully bring aliens to the U.S. for commercial advantage and private financial gain, and two counts of attempting to bring aliens into the U.S. for similar purposes. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison per count. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled, but a federal district court judge will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors when determining the final sentence.
The case also involves multiple other individuals. Carl Allison (47), the lead defendant, previously pleaded guilty in December 2023 to similar charges, including conspiracy to bring aliens into the U.S. and conspiracy to distribute large amounts of cocaine. In addition, three other Honduran nationals – Darrel Martinez (41), Josue Flores-Villeda (36), and Lenord Cooper (40) – have also pleaded guilty for their roles in the operation.
The U.S. Coast Guard’s quick response in this case prevented a dangerous and illegal operation from succeeding, highlighting the continued vigilance of law enforcement agencies in addressing such criminal activities.
