Florida

Fugitive Who Took Boat From Key West to Cuba Back in Custody

A federal fugitive who stole a boat in Key West and fled to Cuba in October was brought back to South Florida Tuesday by U.S. Marshals.

Shawn Wegmann flew to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport after a team of U.S. Marshals took custody of him at Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, officials said.

“This is the first person turned over by the Cuban government to the United States since the talks started," U.S. Marshal Amos Rojas Jr. said.

Wegmann was originally arrested back in August in the state of Indiana for being in possession of three guns that were stolen, authorities said. He was placed on pre-trial release but fled.

“Back on October 23rd he cut his GPS bracelet, attached it to the bumper of a vehicle and law enforcement finally found it at a Sam’s Club,” Rojas said.

Wegmann fled to Key West then set sail on a boat he stole for Cuba.

"He took a small 16 foot vessel across the Florida straights and came into the shores of Cuba," Rojas said.

But Cuban authorities caught him and then called the U.S., a breakthrough in cooperation. According to the Marshals, Wegmann seemed to regret his quick visit to the island nation.

"To us he was ready to come back. He wanted to come back," Rojas said.

He was even considered a gentleman on his flight, but he’s still going to jail.

“We had no issues with Mr. Wegmann it was a short flight, 45 minutes," Rojas said. "And now he’s on his way to federal detention center.”

Marshals hope the renewed relationship between the two countries means more of these guys will be brought to justice. They say there are 15 more fugitives on the U.S. Marshals' list that are in Cuba right now.

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