Federal authorities say a Bahamian national was drinking rum and smoking crack-cocaine the night the boat he was driving from the Bahamas to South Florida capsized, killing four Haitian women.
Naaman Davis pleaded guilty Thursday in Miami federal court to a charges of smuggling resulting in death and helping aggravated felons re-enter the U.S. He was among 11 people found clinging to the boat that capsized Oct. 16 off Miami. The victims died beneath the boat.
Prosecutors plan to seek the dismissal of other charges against Davis, including involuntary manslaughter, after his sentencing July 21. He faces a maximum of life in prison.
According to court documents, Davis drank rum before the boat left the Bahamas and smoked crack-cocaine during one of the several times it stalled during its voyage.
The boat carrying 15 people in all capsized about seven nautical miles from Government Cut. Authorities said the boat left from the Bahamas with people aboard from three countries, including Jamaica. None of the people involved in the smuggling operation had permission to enter the U.S.
