MINNEAPOLIS — On Tuesday, a federal judge dismissed motions for new trials for two men charged with human smuggling, implicated in the tragic deaths of an Indian family during a 2022 blizzard while attempting to cross into Minnesota from Canada.
U.S. District Judge John Tunheim upheld the convictions of Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel and Steve Anthony Shand, rendered by a jury last November. His decision sets the stage for potential appeals in a federal court once sentencing occurs on May 7.
The defense attorneys claimed evidence inadequacy; however, Judge Tunheim disagreed, emphasizing the strength of the case against the two men. The judge cited adequate evidence for the jury’s guilty verdict on all four charges.
Tunheim addressed a late trial revelation concerning a disciplinary issue involving a testifying Border Patrol agent, acknowledging its significance but deeming its impact on the case as minimal. He also justified the decision to jointly try both defendants.
During the trial, prosecutors described an organized smuggling network allegedly operated by Patel, who used the alias “Dirty Harry,” and Shand, a Florida resident. This operation reportedly facilitated an increased illegal migration of Indian nationals into the U.S.
The victims, identified as 39-year-old Jagdish Patel, his wife Vaishaliben in her 30s, 11-year-old daughter Vihangi, and 3-year-old son Dharmik, perished just north of the border dividing Manitoba and Minnesota on January 19, 2022. Originally from Dingucha, Gujarat, the couple were teachers, according to local reports. Despite the freezing conditions, seven others in the group survived the arduous journey. The surname Patel is common in India, and the victims bore no relation to the defendant.
The most severe charges carry potential penalties of up to 20 years’ imprisonment. As yet, the prosecutors have not detailed the sentences they intend to seek, although federal guidelines employ intricate calculations to determine exact penalties.