Neche Border Stop Leads to Federal Smuggling Charges

Neche (trfnews.i234.me) — Four people face federal charges after an investigation near the Canadian border.

U.S. Border Patrol agents say a border sensor was triggered late September 19 near Neche.

The incident eventually led agents to stop a vehicle early September 20.

Eric Lester and Christopher Marchetta, both from Louisiana, now face federal immigration-related charges.

Rubiceli Aldana and Camille Aldana, both Belize citizens, are charged with illegal entry into the United States.

Border Sensor Triggers Investigation

Court documents say the sensor activated around 11:12 p.m. west of the Neche Port of Entry.

The system reportedly showed a person carrying a backpack and walking south from the border.

A short time later, agents saw a vehicle with Tennessee license plates nearby.

The vehicle was reportedly traveling about 85 mph on Highway 18.

Agents stopped the vehicle and found Lester behind the wheel, according to the complaint.

Marchetta was sitting in the front passenger seat.

Rubiceli Aldana and Camille Aldana were sitting in the back seat.

Lester reportedly told investigators he was lost and returning to a Grand Forks hotel.

The two women later admitted crossing the Canadian border illegally, according to court records.

Camille Aldana told investigators that she traveled with her aunt from Belize.

She said they traveled through Canada before reaching Manitoba.

They then took a taxi toward the United States border, according to the complaint.

The women allegedly walked through farm fields before reaching a road.

Investigators say they were later picked up by the vehicle carrying Lester and Marchetta.

Camille Aldana said she knew Marchetta through a mutual friend.

She reportedly told investigators she did not know Lester.

Lester and Marchetta each face three federal counts involving alleged immigration violations.

The counts involve allegations of bringing, transporting and harboring a person unlawfully in the country.

Authorities said the Aldana women carried nearly $1,000 combined.

Marchetta reportedly had more than $3,300 when he was arrested.

Court records cited by Valley News Live also describe previous convictions involving both men.

Investigators reported no previous criminal or immigration history for either Aldana woman.

Marchetta declined questioning without an attorney, according to the complaint.

Lester spoke with investigators but did not explain why the group was in northern North Dakota.

All charges are accusations. Each defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.