According to court documents and trial evidence, Zelaya and Hernandez attempted to bring 23 Honduran migrants into the United States from Utila, Honduras, to Cocodrie, La., aboard the M/V Pop, a 65-foot sport-fishing vessel.

That ship became disabled due to engine trouble and was interdicted by the U.S. Coast Guard about 75 miles off the Louisiana coast.

The Justice Department said in a statement, “For almost a year, Cooper Zelaya and Jackson Hernandez participated in the scheme to bring Honduran migrants from Honduras to the United States via two vessels: the Masita III and the M/V Pop. Once the migrants reached the United States, the co-conspirators placed some of them in factories and other businesses, knowing that the migrants lacked authorization to enter, remain, or work in the United States.”

The men were convicted of one count of conspiracy to unlawfully bring aliens to the United States for commercial advantage and private financial gain and two counts of attempting to bring aliens to the United States for commercial advantage and private financial gain.

They face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on each count. A federal judge will determine sentencing later.

The Justice Department said others were previously convicted in this conspiracy. The lead defendant, Carl Allison, pleaded guilty in December to conspiracy to unlawfully bring aliens to the United States for financial gain and conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride.

Three other Honduran co-conspirators also pleaded guilty earlier last year.

Darrel Martinez, 41, and Josue Flores-Villeda, 36, pleaded guilty to the same charges as Allison, according to the Justice Department.

Lenord Cooper, 40, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to aid and assist aliens to enter the United States unlawfully and attempting to bring aliens to the United States for commercial advantage and private financial gain.