A Columbian national appeared before Magistrate Court Judge George W. Cannon, Jr. for an initial hearing on criminal charges related to his alleged attempted illegal entry into the continental United States, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney for the Virgin Islands.
According to court documents, on December 8, Andres Bejarano, age 33, arrived at the Henry E. Rohlsen airport on St. Croix to board a flight from St. Croix to Florida with a Florida driver’s license. Customs and Border Patrol later determined that this license belonged to his brother, Daniel Bejarano.
When questioned, Bejarano reportedly claimed to be a U.S. Citizen. He reportedly later claimed to have a green card. He subsequently admitted that he was using his brother’s ID because he was aware that he had an active warrant for his arrest. After being referred to secondary screening, CBP officers conducted a baggage inspection. Officers discovered that Bejarano dropped a black pouch under his seat that reportedly contained Ketamine, a schedule III controlled substance, and MDMA, a schedule I controlled substance.
As a result, Bejarano was charged by criminal complaint with falsely representing to be a citizen of the united states, false statements, aggravated identity theft, and simple possession of a controlled substance. If convicted, Bejarano faces a up to a potential 5 years in prison and subsequent deportation.
