BVI Man Guilty of Alien Smuggling

St. Thomas, VI – Lorenzo Ortis Charles, 36, of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, has been found guilty of smuggling aliens into the United States.

According to a statement from the United States Department of Justice, on February 23, 2024, Customs and Border Patrol intercepted a vessel that departed Tortola, BVI and entered United States waters.

The vessel, operated by Charles, had no navigational lights as it entered Leinster Bay, St, John. On board the vessel were five individuals who had no legal rights to enter the United States.

This brazen act of human trafficking has no place in our society. The guilty verdict serves as a reminder that we will not tolerate such egregious crimes.

The case was investigated by Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations.

Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly M. Riley prosecuted the case, ensuring that Charles would face justice for his crimes.

Charles faces a maximum of 10 years in prison for his guilty plea. The exact sentencing date has not been announced.

The US Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands will continue to work tirelessly to combat human trafficking and bring those responsible to justice.