Dominican Republic national pleads guilty for role in human smuggling resulting in child’s death

WASHINGTON, CMC – The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) says that a national of the Dominican Republic has pleaded guilty to his involvement in a deadly human smuggling conspiracy in Puerto Rico, resulting in a child's death. 

On Wednesday, the DOJ said that Alcibades De Paz, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of “bringing certain aliens into the United States, resulting in death.” 

According to court documents, the defendant was identified as one of the captains of a vessel illegally carrying individuals, including a three-year-old child, from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico. 

The DOJ said De Paz admitted to operating the vessel “during the human smuggling venture.

“While the co-conspirators were evading Puerto Rican law enforcement attempting to intercept the vessel safely, the vessel stopped functioning,” it said.

“De Paz admitted that he aided in starting the engine and throttling the boat's engine towards the Puerto Rican shoreline. 

“The vessel capsized as it reached the shoreline, leading to the child's death,” the DOJ added. 

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the DOJ's Criminal Division, said: “While smuggling migrants by boat to the United States, Alcibades De Paz attempted to evade law enforcement and sped toward the beach — a decision that resulted in the death of a three-year-old child after the vessel capsized.

“This tragedy demonstrates human smugglers' callous disregard for human life,” she added.

“The Criminal Division is committed to combating human smugglers who prey upon vulnerable migrants.” 

The DOJ said a sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date and that De Paz faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.

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