A Bahamian nationwide has been sentenced to twenty months in federal jail after pleading responsible to smuggling undocumented migrants into the USA by boat, federal prosecutors introduced.
Keith Kevin Russell, 46, may even serve three years of supervised launch following his jail time period. U.S. District Choose in Miami handed down the sentence after Russell admitted guilt in January to fees stemming from a November 2024 maritime interdiction.
In accordance with court docket paperwork, on November 8, U.S. Customs and Border Safety (CBP) officers intercepted Russell’s vessel roughly six miles off the coast of Miami. Regardless of preliminary makes an attempt to evade seize, Russell in the end stopped his boat after CBP officers deployed warning flares.
Authorities found 18 undocumented migrants onboard, hailing from China, Haiti, Jamaica, and The Bahamas. The people have been transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Richard Etheridge, the place officers confirmed they lacked authorization to enter the nation.
Among the many group was Patrick Angelo Percentie, 45, a beforehand deported Bahamian nationwide with an aggravated felony conviction. He was taken into custody and later sentenced to 16 months in jail after additionally pleading responsible.
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The remaining migrants have been returned to The Bahamas. Russell and Percentie have been introduced ashore to face federal fees.
The investigation was led by Homeland Safety Investigations (HSI) Miami, with assist from CBP and the U.S. Coast Guard’s seventh District. The case was prosecuted by Particular Assistant U.S. Legal professional Tanner Stiehl.
The sentencing was introduced by U.S. Legal professional Hayden O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and Performing Particular Agent in Cost José R. Figueroa of HSI Miami.
