Florida man indicted for smuggling 25 Bahamian nationals
A man from Florida finds himself facing serious charges related to human smuggling after an attempt to bring 25 Bahamian nationals into the country illegally.
Investigation unveils smuggling operation
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency said that an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Space Coast has led to the indictment of Michael Andrew Milano, 42, hailing from Merritt Island, Florida.
Milano now faces a daunting 25 counts of human smuggling, each carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison if convicted.
Seizure of assets and property
The indictment also includes provisions for seizing any property linked to the proceeds of the offense or used in its commission.
This indicates a concerted effort to cripple the infrastructure facilitating such illegal activities.
Operation details uncovered
According to court documents, the illicit operation unfolded on February 29 2024.
Milano, accompanied by a companion, embarked on a journey from Florida to the Bahamas aboard a 42-foot fishing vessel.
During a stop in the Bahamas, Milano purportedly loaded 25 non-US citizen migrants onto the vessel.
Subsequently, the vessel set course back to Florida with its illicit cargo concealed onboard.
Encounter with law enforcement
The indictment alleges that Milano compelled all 25 migrants to remain prone on the deck throughout the return voyage.
However, their journey was interrupted as officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission conducted routine safety inspections in the Intracoastal Waterway and Indian River region.
Response from authorities
Upon boarding Milano’s vessel, law enforcement officials discovered 25 migrants still lying flat on the deck, hidden from plain sight.
The swift response from federal and local agencies, including the US Coast Guard, led to the apprehension of Milano and the subsequent custody and processing of the migrants for repatriation.
