DERBY — Two foreign nationals pleaded guilty Tuesday to illegally entering the United States near the bike path in Derby, while a third defendant faces similar charges, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont.
Belvie Ikiela Lecka, 32, of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ayse Gul Sakiner, 49, of Türkiye, admitted to entering the country at a place not designated by immigration authorities. A third individual, Sajah Konateh, 51, of Gambia, entered a not guilty plea to illegal entry charges.
Court records indicate U.S. Border Patrol received an image on May 19, at approximately 11:45 p.m. showing three individuals walking south toward the bike path on North Derby Road. The location is near the U.S.-Canada border.
Agents responded to the area and discovered the three suspects hiding in thick vegetation near the bike path. Records checks revealed none of the individuals had legal status in the United States.
Lecka and Sakiner appeared before U.S. District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford on May 20, where they received time-served sentences after pleading guilty.
Konateh, who pleaded not guilty, faces up to six months’ imprisonment.
The case was investigated by U.S. Border Patrol and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Stendig.
