Five individuals, including four of Cuban origin, were detained on Monday on charges of human trafficking following the arrival of a group of 20 people, which included 13 Ecuadorians and seven Chinese nationals, to the shores of Key Largo, Florida. The arrested individuals face 20 felony charges, according to a statement by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) released on their social media platforms.
The five detainees are Víctor Febles Gualpa (38 years old, resident of West Palm Beach); Joel Gil Egued (48 years old, Cape Coral); and three Miami residents: Dianelys Pérez Escourido (44 years old), Omar Liván Ripoll Pérez (28 years old), and Humberto Tamayo (48 years old).
Federal authorities, including the U.S. Border Patrol and the Customs and Border Protection (CBP), led the investigation that resulted in the arrests in Florida City. Although the U.S. Attorney's Office chose not to file federal charges, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, in coordination with the State Attorney's Office, decided to proceed with state charges against the suspects.
Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay emphasized in a statement that his office will not tolerate criminal behavior and will work to ensure that those responsible face justice. "The Sheriff's Office and the State Attorney's Office do not tolerate criminal conduct and will always work to hold individuals accountable," Ramsay declared.
Currently, the five accused are being held in Key West Jail with bail set at $100,000 each.
Human Trafficking Operation in Florida Keys: Key Questions Answered
This section addresses some critical questions regarding the recent human trafficking operation in the Florida Keys and the subsequent arrests.
Who were the individuals arrested in the human trafficking operation?
The individuals arrested include Víctor Febles Gualpa, Joel Gil Egued, Dianelys Pérez Escourido, Omar Liván Ripoll Pérez, and Humberto Tamayo.
What charges do the arrested individuals face?
The arrested individuals face 20 felony charges related to human trafficking.
Which authorities were involved in the investigation?
The U.S. Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection led the investigation, with coordination from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office and the State Attorney's Office.