Man sentenced to 22 years in smuggling case
Associated Press | South Florida Sun-Sentinel
2:02 PM EDT, August 25, 2008
MIAMI - A man who pleaded guilty in a drug and migrant smuggling case will spend 22 years in prison. Leon Brice Johnson was sentenced on Friday.

According to evidence presented at the sentencing hearing, Johnson and co-defendant Ricky Thompson made two smuggling trips to the Bahamas in 2006.

During each trip, the pair transported a group of illegal immigrants and narcotics to Florida's Jupiter Island. Migrants paid between $1,500 and $4,000 for the trip and were told they would be dropped off on or near shore. On both occasions, the pair ordered people of the boat 50 to 100 yards from the shore in deep, rough waters. Three migrants died.

The defendants also transported large quantities drugs including cocaine, heroin and marijuana during both trips.


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