Two men from Miami have been charged with human trafficking after the U.S. Coast Guard stopped their boat near Islamorada earlier this year, according to officials.
Oscar Alfredo Bustamante-Semeren, 29, and Alejandro Gauche-Valdez, 35, were detained on July 15 after their vessel was halted in waters close to Mile Marker 86.
Authorities said Bustamante-Semeren confessed that they were heading to Cuba to pick up people.
Both men are currently in custody in Miami on other charges, and arrest warrants have now been issued for them in Monroe County.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, working alongside the State Attorney’s Office, filed the human trafficking charges after federal prosecutors decided not to take up the case.
Sheriff Rick Ramsay expressed his disappointment with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for not pursuing the charges.
Sheriff Ramsay praised his team and partners, saying, “Sgt. Joel Slough, the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office, and our law enforcement partners did an excellent job in getting these two criminals arrested.
We’ll continue to take a firm stance on crime, even when the U.S. Attorney’s Office won’t act.
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It’s unfortunate that they are not taking on cases like these, which involve serious criminal offenses like human trafficking.”
Authorities also revealed that Bustamante-Semeren has connections to a notorious Venezuelan gang called “Tren De Aragua.”
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.