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Smugglers’ Reckless Act Claims Life in La Jolla
San Diego, CA – In a tragic incident that highlights the callous disregard for human life by smugglers, Victor Alfonso Soto Aguilar and Jose Ramon Geraldo Romero pleaded guilty in federal court for their roles in a panga boat smuggling attempt that resulted in the death of one passenger. The incident occurred in open ocean waters near Marine Street Beach in La Jolla, California, on an unknown date.
The two defendants, who have admitted to piloting the panga boat loaded with 14 Mexican citizens, overloaded the vessel, which resulted in temporary engine failure. The boat stalled in the middle of the night, and the passengers were instructed to remove their life jackets and jump into the water without regard to their swimming abilities. One passenger, Rogelio Perez Gutierrez, drowned as a result of the smuggling attempt.
The U.S. Attorney’s office has commended the excellent work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jimmy N. Rotstein, Colin M. McDonald, and Victor P. White, as well as the HSI agents, Coast Guard officers, Border Patrol agents, Customs and Border Protection officers, and San Diego Lifeguards, for their efforts in connection with the case.
“Another life has been tragically lost as a result of smugglers’ reckless actions,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “Smugglers do not care about the safety of their human cargo. They care only about profits, and the U.S. Attorney’s office is committed to bringing them to justice for these callous crimes.”
Soto and Romero are scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge John A. Houston on December 13, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. The other passengers on the panga boat were paying between $12,000 and $15,000 to be brought into the United States; they stated they feared for their lives throughout the ocean journey.
The Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies have urged people not to place their lives in the hands of smugglers who care only about the money they will receive. This case is a stark reminder of the dangers of human smuggling and the importance of prioritizing human life and safety.
The smuggling attempt has left the community in shock, and the authorities are working tirelessly to disrupt these illegal operations and bring to justice those who violate U.S. law. The case is a testament to the bravery and dedication of law enforcement agencies in fighting against human smuggling and other crimes.
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Human Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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