SEBRING, Fla.– Yaqulelin Dominguez-Nieves, 25, of Sebring, Florida, was detained pending trial on charges related to a human smuggling operation that resulted in the tragic deaths of approximately 16 people.
Dominguez-Nieves faces a 10-count indictment for her alleged involvement in the smuggling venture.
Four bodies were recovered at sea and determined to have died by drowning, underscoring the perilous nature of such illegal operations.
“Human smuggling ventures put people’s lives at risk for the sake of profit,” said U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. “Human smugglers prey on the migrants’ hopes for a better life. Tragically, the smugglers’ exploits pose a grave danger to migrants. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our partners to prosecute those who carry out illicit human smuggling operations to protect vulnerable migrants and save lives.”
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“The Coast Guard Investigative Service is committed to safeguarding those who are vulnerable and at risk of exploitation. The indictment and arrest of Yaqulelin Dominguez-Nieves underscore our unwavering dedication to protecting individuals from the dangers of illegal smuggling operations. These criminal activities not only violate federal law but also endanger human lives. We remain steadfast in our mission to bring those who perpetrate such heinous acts to justice and ensure the safety and security of our maritime borders.” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew J. Margelot of the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) Southeast Field Office.
If convicted of encouraging and inducing or attempting to bring aliens into the United States, resulting in death, Dominguez-Nieves faces a maximum penalty of life in prison or death.
A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
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