Haitian Man Arrested for Fatal Smuggling in Florida

Federal authorities have apprehended Jimmy Metellus, a 48-year-old Haitian national, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Metellus, who was previously deported from the United States following a felony conviction for human smuggling, has a notorious history linked to a tragic incident in 2009 that resulted in the deaths of ten migrants, including an unborn child. His arrest was announced by Miami Sector Chief Patrol Agent Samuel Briggs II, highlighting the collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies. Metellus was a co-captain of a vessel that capsized off the Florida coast on May 13, 2009, during a smuggling operation. The boat, which had departed from the Bahamas, was carrying migrants when it sank, leading to the deaths of nine individuals and an unborn fetus. Sixteen survivors were rescued after being stranded in the water for hours, with some wearing life jackets while others had to tread water until help arrived. In 2010, Metellus was sentenced to nearly 14 years in federal prison for his involvement in the smuggling scheme. Following his release, he was deported but has now been charged with illegal re-entry into the United States as an aggravated felon. Under U.S. immigration laws, he faces a potential maximum sentence of 20 years for this offense. The tragic events of 2009 continue to resonate, as the investigation revealed that none of the migrants had valid visas or travel documentation, underscoring the dangers associated with human smuggling operations.