MIAMI, Fla. — Yuniel Cabrera Piloto, a 44-year-old Cuban national, could face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine after pleading guilty to human smuggling charges, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Tuesday.
Piloto, along with co-defendant Yordany Capote-León, 31, embarked on October 24, 2024, from U.S. shores toward Bahamian waters aboard a cuddy cabin vessel. Upon arrival, they boarded 18 Ecuadorian migrants without legal documentation to enter the U.S.
Their vessel was later detected by the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Manowar, which tracked it into Key Largo, Florida. Despite attempts by CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) to intercept the boat, the suspects ignored commands to stop until warning shots were fired, forcing them to halt.
All 20 people aboard were taken into custody. Authorities identified three Ecuadorian migrants—Jorge Fabián Albarrasin Cabrera, Marcelo Patricio Pesantez-Merchan, and Juan Carlos Villa Arpi—as having previously been deported from the U.S. These three, along with Piloto and Capote-León, were brought ashore to face federal charges.
Piloto entered a guilty plea on March 6 before Magistrate Judge Ellen F. D’Angelo, with formal acceptance of guilt confirmed by Judge K. Michael Moore on April 4. His sentencing is scheduled for May 8 at 2:00 p.m. in Miami, where he faces up to a decade in prison, three years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $250,000.
Capote-León was sentenced earlier, on March 4, to 37 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in partnership with CBP and the U.S. Coast Guard (7th District). Special Prosecutor Tanner Stiehl is handling the case.
This is one of several recent cases involving Cuban nationals and maritime smuggling routes:
Humberto Yosvany Arriola-Rivero, 30, was sentenced to nearly 10 years in prison for conspiring to traffic individuals and managing a migrant safe house in El Paso, Texas.
In October 2024, a 24-year-old Cuban was arrested in Arizona for transporting six undocumented Mexican migrants and evading federal authorities.
Two other Cubans were caught in La Joya, Texas, hiding migrants in their vehicles—one even attempted to flee on foot when confronted by border agents.
These cases underscore the U.S. government’s ongoing efforts to dismantle trafficking networks operating across land and sea borders.
