Jeremie Calo, a resident of Key West, Florida, has been sentenced to federal prison for resisting and evading U.S. Coast Guard rescue attempts. The sentencing took place on December 4.
Court documents reveal that in August 2022, the Coast Guard approached a small vessel south of South Beach in Biscayne Bay, Florida. The boat carried six people, including Calo, none of whom were wearing life jackets. Due to safety concerns, the Coast Guard instructed the passengers to transfer to a Coast Guard vessel. Calo refused and had to be forcibly removed from the boat.
Once aboard the Coast Guard vessel, Calo jumped into the bay and spent over two hours avoiding rescue efforts by both the Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies. He resisted assistance by slapping away an officer's hands during one rescue attempt.
Chief U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga sentenced Calo to three months in prison followed by one year of supervised release, which includes seven months of home detention and a $2,000 fine.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Matt Margelot for the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), Miami Office.
The CGIS led the investigation with support from Coral Gables Police Department, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, Miami Beach Police Department, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosenfeld prosecuted the case.
Additional court documents can be accessed through the District Court for the Southern District of Florida's website or PACER under case number 24-cr-20263.