Second Dominican Republic National Apprehended at the Red Hook Ferry Dock Appears In Federal Court on Illegal Reentry Charges

St. Thomas, USVI – Luis Miguel Recio Fernandez, 29, made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller after being arrested and charged with illegal reentry into the United States, United States Attorney Gretchen Shappert announced. The Magistrate Judge detained Fernandez pending preliminary and detention hearings scheduled for August 31, 2018.

According to court documents, Customs and Border Protection officers encountered Fernandez at the Red Hook dock where he arrived by ferry boat from St. John. He was previously removed from the United States on August 23, 2012, after having been convicted of a controlled substance offense.

Under federal law Fernandez faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

United States Attorney Shappert reminds the public that every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.