A brazen plot to smuggle five Brazilian nationals through the St. Thomas airport has been foiled, with a Puerto Rico man taking the fall for his role in the conspiracy.
Angel De Jesus Marrero, 31, of Puerto Rico, pleaded guilty in District Court on St. Thomas to encouraging and inducing aliens to illegally enter the United States, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced on Tuesday, May 3, 2016.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court, Marrero was hired by his co-defendant, Rodriguez Ramirez, to assist in the passage of the five Brazilian nationals through the airport by checking them in at the airline ticket kiosk. Marrero was then supposed to ensure that the aliens made it to the appropriate gate to depart St. Thomas for New York.
However, federal agents got wind of the plan and apprehended the defendants along with the five illegal aliens before anyone boarded the aircraft.
Marrero faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for his role in the alien smuggling operation.
The case was investigated by Custom and Border Protection Office of Internal Affairs and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Professional Responsibility. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigrid Tejo-Sprotte.
Key Players: Angel De Jesus Marrero, 31, Puerto Rico; Rodriguez Ramirez, co-defendant; Ronald W. Sharpe, U.S. Attorney; Sigrid Tejo-Sprotte, Assistant U.S. Attorney
Sentencing Date: September 1, 2016
Co-Defendant’s Sentencing Date: June 16, 2016
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- Santana, Vasquez-Ramirez Lead Alien Smuggling Ring · Texas
- Singh Gets Time Served for Alien Smuggling Run · New York
Key Facts
- State: Virgin Islands
- Category: Human Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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