ST. THOMAS — The French national indicted for trying to smuggle Cubans onto St. John in April has an August 3 trial date awaiting him. District Court Judge Ruth Miller set the start of a jury trial for Alain Leichtman, 71.
Leichtman was taken into custody by the U.S. Coast Guard April 29 as he attempted to leave St. John waters after dropping off 38 Cubans near Haulover Bay.
Leichtman is charged with encouraging and inducing aliens to enter into the United States, knowing and in reckless disregard of the fact that it was illegal to do so. He is further charged with inducing aliens to enter the United States as a means of achieving monetary gain.
A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for July 6 before District Court Judge Curtis Gomez.
The 38 Cubans Leichtman allegedly dropped off were picked up by federal authorities shortly after they landed on St. John were temporarily detained as material witnesses, pending trial.
An attempt by the defense to hold the vessel on which Leichtman brought his passengers from St. Lucia met with limited success. Dream Yacht Charter, owners of the catamaran Mazurka, petitoned the court to have their property returned.
The defendant faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on each of the 38 counts if found guilty at trial if the court determines his actions were taken for the purpose of private or commercial gain.
