Executive Summary
- Shem Wayne Alexander, leader of a transnational criminal organization, pleaded guilty to conspiring to smuggle firearms from the U.S. to Trinidad and Tobago.
- The smuggling operation, active from April 2019 to April 2022, involved exporting firearms from Florida to Trinidad and Tobago, with one significant seizure involving weapons hidden in punching bags.
- Alexander was arrested in Jamaica in November 2024 and extradited to the U.S. in December 2024, following an extensive investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Laws and Precedent
- The defendant pleaded guilty to federal charges of conspiring to illegally export firearms, which falls under U.S. laws prohibiting the unlawful trafficking of weapons across international borders. His prosecution involved the critical international legal process of extradition, bringing him from Jamaica to the United States, where he now faces a maximum federal prison sentence as dictated by the relevant statutes for this type of offense.
Shem Wayne Alexander, the 35-year-old leader of a transnational criminal organization, pleaded guilty on Thursday to conspiring to smuggle firearms from the United States to Trinidad and Tobago. Alexander, who was extradited from Jamaica, now faces a maximum of five years in federal prison for his role in the illicit operation, as announced by U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.
Plea Agreement Details
According to the plea agreement, Alexander and his co-conspirators were actively involved in the unlawful export of firearms, firearm components, and related items. This smuggling operation originated in Florida and targeted destinations in Trinidad and Tobago, spanning a period from April 2019 to April 2022.
A significant interception occurred on April 21, 2021, when authorities seized a shipment containing firearms. These weapons were found cleverly concealed within two punching bags, illustrating the sophisticated methods employed by the criminal organization.
International Investigation and Extradition
Alexander’s apprehension began on November 15, 2024, when he was arrested in Jamaica. Following his arrest, he was successfully extradited to the United States on December 20, 2024, a process that required substantial international cooperation.
The extensive investigation into this case was spearheaded by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), including HSI’s Legal Attaché for the Caribbean, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Their efforts were crucial in dismantling the smuggling ring.
Law Enforcement Collaboration
Numerous agencies provided critical assistance throughout the investigation and extradition process. These included the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and United States Customs and Border Protection.
Further support for Alexander’s extradition came from the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the Jamaica Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Jamaica Constabulary Force. Assistant United States Attorneys David W.A. Chee and Adam W. McCall are prosecuting the case.
Alexander’s guilty plea highlights the continuous commitment of U.S. and international law enforcement agencies to combat transnational criminal organizations engaged in illegal arms trafficking. This case serves as a stark reminder of the serious legal repercussions for those who attempt to smuggle dangerous weapons across international borders.
