The Monroe County State Attorney’s Office and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office announce the conviction of Oscar Alfredo Bustamante-Semerene on charges of attempted human smuggling.
The successful outcome was the result of exceptional teamwork between federal, state and local agencies dedicated to preventing illegal smuggling and ensuring public safety in South Florida’s waters.
On July 15, 2024, the U.S. Coast Guard conducted a routine safety inspection of a 24-foot Sea Ray vessel in Cotton Key Basin, Islamorada, at MM 86. The vessel was operated by Bustamante-Semerene, a Venezuelan citizen, with passenger Alejandro Guache-Valdez, a Cuban national.
During the inspection, officers became suspicious after noting inconsistent information provided by the operator. Subsequent investigation revealed that the vessel was involved in a planned operation to transport six Cuban nationals from Playa Baracoa, Cuba, into Florida. U.S. Coast Guard officers terminated the voyage and escorted the vessel to Station Islamorada for further investigation.
Upon arrival, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Border Patrol agents took custody of Bustamante-Semerene and Guache-Valdez. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Border Patrol Intelligence Division, investigated the vessel’s involvement in human smuggling. A search of the vessel’s Garmin GPS system conducted by Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Joel Slough provided critical evidence, showing a direct route to a known Cuban coastal location, consistent with statements made by Bustamante-Semerene. MCSO was able to obtain an arrest warrant for Bustamante-Semerene based on this evidence.
“The success of this case was only possible because of the strong cooperation between multiple agencies” said State Attorney Dennis Ward. “Our partnerships with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Coast Guard, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection ensure that we can effectively stop these dangerous smuggling operations. I commend Assistant State Attorney Trey Evans for his outstanding work in securing this conviction”.
“This was an outstanding case and conviction brought about by the hard work of all involved, including Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Joel Slough,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “This dangerous felon has ties to the violent Venezuelan gang, “Tren De Aragua,” and is where he needs to be — in jail. As sheriff, I am disappointed the U.S. Attorney’s Office failed to file charges in this case.”
Chief Assistant State Attorney Joseph Mansfield also praised the coordinated effort: “This case is a great example of what can be accomplished when agencies work together to investigate and prosecute serious crimes like human smuggling. Assistant State Attorney Trey Evans did an excellent job navigating the complexities of this case and delivering a just result”.
Bustamante-Semerene entered a plea of no contest to the charge and was sentenced by Judge James Morgan to 120 days in the Monroe County Jail, followed by over four years of probation. His probation conditions include a ban on entering Monroe County or Florida waters, 30 hours of community service annually, and payment of fines, court costs, and investigation fees. Bustamante-Semerene may also face immigration consequences based on his plea in this case. The case with Alejandro Guache-Valdez is still ongoing.
Human smuggling operations pose significant risks to both those involved and the broader community. The Monroe County State Attorney’s Office and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office remain committed to partnering with law enforcement to combat smuggling and ensure the safety and security of South Florida’s residents and visitors.
