Timothy Oakes, a 35-year-old dual citizen of Canada and the United States from Akwesasne, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy and multiple counts of alien smuggling, including charges resulting in death. This plea stems from his involvement in a smuggling operation that led to the tragic deaths of a Romanian family of four on March 29, 2023. The family, consisting of Florin Iordache, his wife Cristina (Monalisa) Zenaida Iordache, and their two young children, attempted to cross the St. Lawrence River during severe weather conditions after being smuggled from Cornwall Island. Oakes reportedly earned about $1,000 for each migrant he smuggled and used his home as a staging area for migrants. He faces a minimum of five years in prison, with a maximum penalty of life. Oakes is scheduled for sentencing on September 11. Several co-conspirators have also been implicated in the case, with some already pleading guilty and others awaiting trial.