Two Dominican Men pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy charges Friday, United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced.
Dennito Montero-Felix, 48, and Fernandito Michel-Gomez, 56, both of the Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson, III, to conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute while on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, according to the press release.
Michel-Gomez is scheduled for sentencing on Dec. 14. Sentencing for Montero-Felix is scheduled for Dec. 20. Each faces a maximum term of incarceration of up to 20 years. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors, the press release stated.
According to court documents, on April 12, while on routine patrol, a maritime patrol aircraft located a go-fast vessel in international waters approximately 71 nautical miles south of the Dominican Republic. The vessel had three occupants onboard and was equipped with two outboard engines, excessive fuel barrels, and large packages were visible on deck. A U.S. Coast Guard Cutter later intercepted the vessel and took the occupants into custody. Neither occupant claimed a nationality for the flagless vessel. The vessel was, therefore, subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. On board the flagless vessel, USCG officers discovered approximately 619 kilograms of cocaine.
