AKWESASNE, NY — Timothy Oakes, brother of the late Casey Oakes, was arrested on Sunday in connection with the fatal March 2023 human smuggling attempt across the St. Lawrence River, which resulted in the deaths of eight migrants and his brother.
U.S. authorities charged Timothy with alien smuggling resulting in death and alien smuggling for financial gain, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York. He was taken into custody by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents at the U.S. port of entry in Massena, New York, while crossing with his family for a Father’s Day gathering.
The charges stem from a March 29, 2023, incident when Casey Oakes piloted a boat carrying two migrant families — one Romanian and one Indian — that capsized during rough weather. All eight passengers, including two Canadian-born toddlers, drowned. Casey’s body was recovered months later on July 3, 2023.
Court documents reveal that the migrants were seeking illegal entry into the U.S. and had paid a Montreal-based smuggling ring, allegedly led by Sri Lankan-Canadian Thesingarasan Rasiah, who is currently facing charges in Canada and has pleaded not guilty.
According to extradition filings, Timothy Oakes may have played a role in the operation — allegedly housing the Romanian family at his Cornwall Island residence and helping tow the boat Casey used. He was reportedly coerced through an intermediary by accused organizer Stephanie Square, who is also facing extradition to the U.S. along with Rahsontanohstha Delormier.
So far, three Akwesasne residents have pleaded guilty in the U.S. to charges related to the smuggling operation.
Timothy Oakes is expected to be arraigned Tuesday morning in U.S. Federal Court in Albany, NY.
