Log In | Register
WEST PALM BEACH — A federal jury found a Bahamian fishing boat captain guilty of second-degree murder in the drowning of three illegal immigrants he was trying to smuggle into the United States.
Rickey Thompson was convicted Wednesday on a total of 30 counts, including importing drugs and smuggling humans — mostly from Jamaica and Haiti.
Investigators believe he and another man forced the victims from their boat at gunpoint.
Thompson faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and $37 million in fines. His sentencing has not been scheduled.
Authorities caught Thompson and his first mate shortly after a December 2006 trip.
© 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
