Lorenzo Ortis Charles, 36, a resident of the British Virgin Islands, was sentenced by Chief Judge Robert Molloy to over five months incarceration on his conviction on bringing aliens to the United States at a place other than a designated port of entry, United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced.
According to court documents, on February 23, 2024, Customs and Border Protection agents intercepted a vessel traveling from Tortola, BVI, and entering United States waters. The vessel was operating without navigational lights when it entered Leinster Bay, St, John. On board the vessel were six occupants, including Charles, who was determined to be the captain. Neither Charles nor his five occupants received legal authorization to enter the United States. Charles now awaits deportation proceedings as he remained in custody from his February 26, 2024, arrest.
