Czech and Slovakian citizens have been convicted of trying to illegally enter the U.S. near Waddington on a makeshift raft.

Rostislav Skalka, 48, of the Czech Republic and Robert Bella, 45, of Slovakia were each convicted of one count of illegal entry into the United States following a one-day, non-jury trial in federal court on Tuesday, according to U.S. Attorney Richard Hartunian.

At trial, the evidence established that Skalka and Bella entered the United States from Canada near Waddington by crossing the St. Lawrence River in a makeshift raft and without immigration inspection at a valid port of entry, Hartunain said.

Following the verdict, United States Magistrate Judge David E. Peebles sentenced the defendants to three months time served.

They are expected to face deportation following further proceeding, Hartunian said.

The case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sahar L. Amandolare.