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Gulfport, Miss. – Luis Adrover Lagares, of Pascagoula, Mississippi, has been indicted for violation of the federal law that prohibits seamen from misusing merchant marine documents issued under the authority of the United States, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Harold Brittain and Special Agent in Charge Brian Jeanfreau of the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) Gulf Region in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The indictment charges Lagares with using and exhibiting a United States Coast Guard Merchant Marine Chief Engineer license that he was not entitled to possess in applying for employment as a Chief Engineer in Moss Point in violation of federal law.
Lagares appeared for arraignment today before U.S. Magistrate Judge John C. Gargiulo in Gulfport. The case is scheduled for trial on October 2, 2017, before Chief U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola. If convicted, Lagares faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
Commenting on the indictment, Special Agent in Charge Jeanfreau said: “The Coast Guard Investigative Service will vigorously investigate and seek prosecution of individuals suspected of misusing Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credentials to help ensure the operation of vessels on our waters is conducted safely, and only by qualified seaman.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Harold Brittain praised the efforts of the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service for its diligent work in the investigation of this matter.
The public is reminded that an indictment represents an accusation only and all defendants are entitled to a presumption of innocence.
