A man accused of organizing smuggling of unauthorized immigrants by boat has been ordered to remain in prison without bail after he was indicted for causing the drowning of three people near the Ocean Beach Pier.
Faustino Romero De La Cruz, 40, was arrested on Feb. 21 in Santa Barbara and has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to bring in aliens that resulted in death, bringing in aliens for financial gain, transportation of aliens, and conspiracy to avoid a designated port of entry for aliens.
The incident occurred on April 10, 2022, and he allegedly operated a cuddy-style boat, which capsized with 10 unauthorized immigrants aboard. One person initially drowned at the scene of the OB Pier, but the bodies of the other two washed up later.
The deceased were identified in court records as Eleobardo Garcia-Lopez; Jovanny Pava-Inzuza; and David Ramirez-Esteban. No other information about them, such as ages or where they were from was available.
A detention hearing had been set for Feb. 27, but Romero waived having one, so U.S. District Court Judge Magistrate Michael Berg set no bail for him. Romero will next appear in court on March 22.
A boat captain in a smuggling venture a few years ago in which three people drowned after his vessel broke apart received 18 years in federal prison after he pleaded guilty. Romero could receive a comparative sentence or more if he’s convicted.
