Five individuals, including four of Cuban origin, were arrested this Monday on charges of human smuggling following the arrival of a group of 20 people, consisting of 13 Ecuadorians and seven Chinese, on the shores of Key Largo, Florida.
The arrested individuals face 20 charges of felonies, according to a statement released by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) on its social media.
The five detainees are Víctor Febles Gualpa (38 years old, resident of West Palm Beach); Joel Gil Egued (48 years old, Cape Coral); and three residents of Miami: Dianelys Pérez Escourido (44 years old), Omar Liván Ripoll Pérez (28 years old), and Humberto Tamayo (48 years old).
Federal authorities, including the United States Border Patrol and the Office of Customs and Border Protection (OABP), led the investigation that culminated in the arrests in Florida City.
Although the U.S. Attorney's Office chose not to file federal charges, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, in coordination with the State Attorney's Office, decided to proceed with state charges against the suspects.
Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay emphasized in a statement that his office will not tolerate criminal behavior and will work to ensure that those responsible face justice. "The Sheriff's Office and the State Attorney's Office do not tolerate criminal conduct and will always work to hold people accountable," Ramsay stated.
At this time, the five accused are being held in the Key West jail with bail set at $100,000 each.
What do you think?
COMMENTFiled under: