A BVI man was sentenced to eight months imprisonment for failing to stop his vessel that was being used for human smuggling, United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced Wednesday.
According to the evidence presented at trial, on Oct. 31, 2022, at approximately 9:00 p.m., Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine agents were conducting border security patrol between the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. Agents approached Coral Bay, St. John, and observed Buney Chinnerys’ vessel operating without navigation lights. Despite continued warnings and attempts to stop the vessel, Chinnery refused to stop and accelerate his vessel while operating it in an evasive manner. Agents eventually disabled the vessel and later discovered Chinnery along with six individuals attempting to gain illegal entry into the United States.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Natasha L. Baker.
