Antonio Comin, Cuban Smuggling, Florida 2012

Miami, Florida - In a major blow to human trafficking in the region, Antonio Comin, 56, of Miami-Dade County, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role as the mastermind of a Cuban smuggling organization.

Comin was found guilty of one count of conspiracy, 50 counts of encouraging and inducing aliens to enter the United States, 47 counts of alien smuggling for private financial gain, and one count of bringing an aggravated felon into the United States.

The evidence presented in court revealed that Comin's organization successfully landed 29 Cuban nationals on Big Munson Island in the Florida Keys in January 2012, following a high-speed chase with the United States Coast Guard. The smugglers deliberately ran their vessel aground to avoid capture at sea.

One of the 29 Cuban nationals landed that day was Rogelio Martin-Hernandez, a 73-year-old who had been previously deported back to Cuba after serving 264 months for cocaine trafficking.

Seven co-defendants in the case have been sentenced for their participation in the events, including Daniel Rochela, who received 100 months in prison, and Oylver Aguilar and Arial Arias, who were each sentenced to 60 months in prison. Severo Tapanes was sentenced to 40 months, while Rogelio Martin-Hernandez and Alexander Aznay-Gonzalez each received 24 months, and Oreste Chavez Torres was sentenced to 18 months.

Comin's sentencing follows a thorough investigation by ICE-HSI and the USCG, which was commended by U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Blackburn and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaime Raich.

Comin's conviction and sentencing serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of human trafficking and the importance of ongoing efforts to combat this heinous crime. As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with information to come forward and assist in bringing those responsible to justice.

Defendant: Antonio Comin

Crime: Conspiracy, Encouraging and Inducing Aliens to Enter the United States, Alien Smuggling for Private Financial Gain, Bringing an Aggravated Felon into the United States

City and State: Miami, Florida

Exact Date: 20 years in prison

Sentence: 20 years in prison

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/mastermind-cuban-smuggling-organization-sentenced-20-years-prison