WEST PALM BEACH, FL – A brazen attempt to smuggle individuals into the United States ended with a high-speed chase and two Bahamian nationals facing federal charges, authorities announced today. The incident, which unfolded just off the coast of Palm Beach, involved a reckless flight from law enforcement that stretched over ten nautical miles.
Donald Nehemiah Watson, 35, of the Bahamas, is charged with one count of alien smuggling, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324, and failure to heave, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2237 (Case No. 19-MJ-8188). If convicted, Watson faces a potential sentence of up to 15 years behind bars. Travis Jamaal Moss, 24, also of the Bahamas, is charged with reentry by an illegal alien after deportation, violating Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a) (Case No. 19-MJ-8189), and faces up to 10 years if found guilty. Both men were arrested and are scheduled for a pre-trial detention hearing on May 14, 2019, in West Palm Beach Federal Court.
The drama unfolded May 6, 2019, when U.S. Border Patrol and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit spotted a vessel approximately two nautical miles east of West Palm Beach. According to court records, the boat immediately attempted to evade capture, turning sharply and fleeing eastward. What followed was a relentless pursuit involving the Border Patrol, the U.S. Coast Guard, and ultimately, a desperate run for freedom that spanned over ten nautical miles. The vessel only stopped when it ran completely out of fuel.
Investigators revealed that the boat was captained by Watson, and carrying Moss, who had previously been deported from the United States. The details of the alleged smuggling operation remain under investigation, but the Coast Guard’s involvement underscores the seriousness with which federal authorities are tackling illegal immigration and maritime border security. The chase itself was a dangerous maneuver, putting both law enforcement and the occupants of the vessel at risk.
“This case demonstrates the dedication of our law enforcement partners to securing our borders and holding those who violate our immigration laws accountable,” stated U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan in a press release. The investigation was a collaborative effort involving Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), U.S. Border Patrol (USBP), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Coast Guard Sector Miami, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Schiller is prosecuting the case. A complaint is merely an accusation, and both Watson and Moss are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Court documents related to the case can be found at www.flsd.uscourts.gov and http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it develops.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Human Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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