A shocking situation went down in Puerto Rico after a man reportedly jumped off a Royal Caribbean cruise ship to dodge a massive gambling debt. Authorities say the stunt not only failed but also landed him with federal charges.
The Jump
On August 31, Jey Gonzalez-Diaz boarded Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas at the Port of San Juan. By the time the ship returned from Barbados on Sunday, things had spiraled. Around 9:15 a.m., Gonzalez-Diaz jumped into the water, allegedly trying to escape his $16,000 casino debt owed to the cruise line. According to officials, he was rescued by a stranger riding a jet ski nearby.
Authorities didn’t have to search long. Gonzalez-Diaz was later spotted near the Puerto Rico Capitol Building, carrying $14,600 in cash, two phones, and five different IDs. The U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico stated that he was accused of attempting to evade monetary reporting requirements by traveling back to the United States.
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His Explanation
When confronted by police, Gonzalez-Diaz reportedly explained in Spanish that he jumped because he didn’t want to report the money he had on him. He believed if he admitted to carrying the cash, he would be taxed on the duties. His plan backfired, adding more legal problems to his situation.
Royal Caribbean confirmed Gonzalez-Diaz booked his trip under the name Jeremy Diaz and racked up $16,000 exclusively in gambling and casino expenses. By trying to escape the tab, he ended up making headlines and creating a bigger mess for himself.
Legal Consequences
Now, Gonzalez-Diaz is facing federal charges. If convicted, CBS News reports that he could face a maximum sentence of five years in prison or a $250,000 fine. What started as a desperate attempt to avoid paying up might cost him way more than the original $16,000 debt.