On Thursday, April 21, 2022, at approximately 3:30 PM, a Criminal Interdiction Unit (CIU) Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a white, 2020 Toyota Corolla, for a traffic infraction on Interstate 10 eastbound near mile marker 26, in Santa Rosa County, Florida. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that there were 3 occupants within the vehicle who were in the country illegally. As the investigation progressed, it was determined they were being transported from Houston, Texas to Key Largo, Florida. The driver admitted, post-Miranda, that he was being paid specifically to smuggle them into the United States for work.
The investigating Trooper contacted both, Department of Homeland Security as well as United States Border Patrol to share the information pertaining to this investigation, which is being forwarded to the Department of Homeland Security for any follow up investigation. The driver has been arrested and is being charged with three counts of human smuggling.
Suspect: Fermin Morataya-Monzon, Hispanic Male, of Florida, age 30
Charges:
1. Human Smuggling (three counts)
