San Juan, Puerto Rico - Late yesterday afternoon, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) arrested a wanted felon at the San Juan Bay Marina, after arriving on board a private vessel from Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
CBP Officers inspected Lucinda Oliver, 65, at arrival on board private vessel "Soul Mate".
Upon systems query, Ms. Oliver's name revealed a positive record to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), with a warrant issued by the U.S. District Court of the US Virgin Islands, for charges related to bribery concerning program receiving federal funds, false statements, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
CBP verified the warrant with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).
CBP transferred Ms. Olvier's custody to the FBI for further proceedings.
"CBP officers are always vigilant of all wanted individuals who try to move freely, trying to elude detection," said Marcelino Borges, Director of Field Operations for Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands.
About CBP Private Vessel Entry requirements:
Pleasure boat captains/owners returning from foreign ports or locations are required to report to U.S. Customs and Border Protection immediately upon arrival and must be available for a face-to-face inspection. This includes arrivals to the USVI from a foreign destination as well as arrivals to Puerto Rico from the USVI and foreign.
CBP is encouraging boaters to enroll in an alternative inspection program; the Local Boaters Option (LBO) which allows participants to report their arrival to CBP by calling a centralized call center or to the nearest port of entry. By prior enrollment in this program, boat passengers are given an Id number and do not have to report for an in-person inspection, unless directed by a CBP officer.
If enrolled the LBO, the Master of the vessel must call the nearest designated location and provide:
- LBO registration number (if applicable)
- Name, date of birth and citizenship of all persons on board (including passport number)* of persons not registered in LBO;
- Name of the boat and/or boat registration number;
- CBP user fee decal number (if 30 feet or longer);
- Homeport and current location;
- Return contact number
Nonetheless, participation in the LBO program does not exempt boaters from decal requirement and CBP inspection.