A federal jury has convicted Omaily Sanchez Taveras, a 36-year-old national of the Dominican Republic, for alien smuggling. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Delia L. Smith following a two-day trial in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Taveras now faces up to 10 years in prison and a potential fine of $250,000.
The case stems from an incident on October 13, 2024, when federal authorities received information about a suspicious vessel in the Fortuna Bay area of St. Thomas. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Interdiction agents responded to the tip and discovered the vessel near West Cay with its engine stalled. Onboard were four Romanians, four Dominican Republic nationals, and two Brazilians who had paid Taveras for transport to Culebra, Puerto Rico.
The investigation was carried out by Homeland Security Investigations along with Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Interdiction. The prosecution team included Assistant United States Attorneys Everard E. Potter and Denise N. George.
