Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
Four Mexican fishermen have pleaded guilty to illegally transporting red snapper taken from U.S. waters, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. The individuals, Jose Daniel Santiago-Mendoza, Miguel Angel Ramirez-Vidal, Jesus David Luna-Marquez, and Jesus Roberto Morales-Amador, admitted to transporting approximately 315 kilograms of the fish.
The incident occurred on April 16 when the crew left Playa Bagdad, Mexico in a vessel without running lights and entered the Exclusive Economic Zone in U.S. waters. They deployed longline fishing gear about 18 miles north of the Maritime Boundary Line with Mexico and roughly 25 miles east of South Padre Island.
Upon apprehension by authorities, the crew was found with approximately 693 pounds of red snapper and four sharks. Despite knowing the risks involved in being caught in U.S. waters, they proceeded due to a limited supply of red snapper in Mexican waters, intending to sell their catch back in Mexico. The estimated retail value of the seized snapper is over $9 thousand.
Ramirez-Vidal has a history of similar offenses with 28 prior arrests for illegal fishing activities; his co-defendants also have previous arrests for similar crimes. Sentencing for Ramirez-Vidal is scheduled for August 13 before U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera. Santiago-Mendoza, Luna-Marquez, and Morales-Amador are awaiting sentencing as well and face up to five years in federal prison along with potential fines reaching $250,000.
The joint investigation was conducted by several agencies including Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, Coast Guard Investigative Services, Coast Guard Station SPI, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and South Padre Island Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney William Hagen is leading the prosecution effort against these individuals.
This case reflects a shift in policy regarding violations against U.S. marine resources under the Lacey Act; previously violators would often be released back to Mexico after seizure of their catch and destruction of their vessel.
