28397: (news) Chamberlain: Human Smuggling (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Greg Chamberlain <GregChamberlain@compuserve.com>

   FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) -- A Bahamian boat captain was indicted
Tuesday on federal charges stemming from an alleged attempt to smuggle
people into the United States.
   Prosecutors say George Bridell Rolle, 26, used a 26-foot speedboat in an
attempt to smuggle a group of Haitians, Jamaicans and Bahamians from the
Bahamas to the United States on April 21. The boat capsized about 25 miles
off Fort Lauderdale and was spotted by a private vessel with five people
clinging to the overturned hull.
   Later, the body of Rolnique Metayer, 35, of Haiti was found floating
nearby. Yves Jean, 40, of Haiti is missing and presumed dead, along with a
42-year-old man from Jamaica whom officials have identified only as John.
   Federal prosecutors would not say how much they think Rolle was paid.
   Rolle is charged with five counts of alien smuggling for profit and one
count of alien smuggling resulting in death.
   He is being held on $250,000 bond but has not entered a plea. His
attorney, Roberto Stanziale, declined to comment Tuesday.