BVI MAN SENTENCED IN ALIEN SMUGGLING CASE

St. Thomas, VI - United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Lorenzo Ortis Charles, 36, a resident of the British Virgin Islands, was sentenced by Chief Judge Robert Molloy to over 5 months incarceration on his conviction on bringing aliens to the United States at a place other than a designated port of entry.

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 deportations proceedings as he remained in custody from his February 26, 2024, arrest.

This was investigated by Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly M. Riley.