A boat captain and three crew members were sentenced this week in federal court for their roles in a human smuggling operation that transported 21 Chinese nationals from Saipan to Guam in 2023.
Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona of the District Court for the NMI sentenced ringleader Steven Villagomez Pangelinan, 58, to 30 months in prison. Prosecutors said he owned the boats, captained one during the voyage, and earned at least $80,000 from the trip. Three vessels tied to the operation will be forfeited.
William J. Cabrera Jr., 44, was sentenced to 21 months in prison. Crew members Steven Chris Tomokane, 55, and Kenneth Hocog Pangelinan, 39, received six months and 37 days, respectively.
All four were convicted of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens. Authorities said passengers paid about $4,500 each to avoid airport immigration checks. Guam officials spotted the drop-off and alerted CNMI law enforcement, which intercepted the boats on their return.
“The defendants facilitated illegal migration and risked the lives of many for their own financial gain,” said U.S. Attorney Shawn N. Anderson. Homeland Security Investigations officials said the case underscores efforts to dismantle smuggling networks
