A man who arranged a human smuggling attempt that led to the drowning deaths of three migrants near the Ocean Beach Pier pleaded guilty to federal charges Thursday.
Faustino Romero De La Cruz admitted Thursday to coordinating the transportation of more than 10 migrants from Mexico to the U.S. in a boat that ended up capsizing on April 10, 2022.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office said the defendant “collected thousands of dollars in smuggling fees” in exchange for the operation.
Romero De La Cruz was 40 at the time of his February arrest in Santa Barbara.
He pleaded guilty in San Diego federal court to charges that include taking part in a conspiracy to bring in migrants in a manner that results in death. Three other victims were hospitalized.
He’s slated for sentencing in December.
