Upstate New York dairy farmer charged with harboring illegal aliens

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - An Adams, N.Y., farmer was arrested Wednesday and charged with harboring illegal aliens, following a joint investigation by U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department.

John Barney, 47, was taken into custody by ICE HSI special agents after a criminal complaint was filed in federal court charging Barney with harboring illegal aliens. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York Richard S. Hartunian. Barney made his initial appearance Monday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew T. Baxter, and was released on his own recognizance.

If found guilty, Barney faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

This case is being investigated by the Syracuse ICE HSI office and being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ransom P. Reynolds.