Rental Boat’s Unauthorized Voyage Ends in Arrest for Texas Man
A Texas man is facing charges from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office after he allegedly stole a rental boat from a Stock Island marina and took it to Cuba, marking the second time he has been involved in such an incident.
Floyd Dean Devasier, 63, of Katy, Texas, was charged on Thursday with hiring or leasing with the intent to defraud. His arrest followed a multi-agency effort that included the U.S. Coast Guard, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Cuban Border Guard.
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According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Devasier rented a 26.5-foot Panga boat from Beach Weekend Key West Marina on Tuesday for a two-day period. The rental agreement stipulated adherence to all maritime laws, no operation after dark, and the vessel’s return by the end of business on Wednesday. Marina employees noted Devasier purchased and filled an additional 20-gallon fuel tank before departing.
Devasier informed the marina he would dock the boat overnight on the 6800 block of Front Street on Stock Island, complying with the no-night operation clause. However, subsequent investigations revealed that the vessel was never docked there, with multiple business and vessel owners on Front Street confirming they never observed it. Security footage also failed to show the rental boat arriving.
Marina owners, utilizing GPS tracking, observed the rental boat heading south in the Atlantic Ocean before the tracking signal ceased. After attempts to contact Devasier proved unsuccessful, the marina promptly notified the U.S. Coast Guard and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
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A crucial lead emerged when a fisherman reported seeing the vessel off the U.S. coastline and provided photographs. On Wednesday, the Sheriff’s Office learned that the Cuban Border Guard had notified HSI that the rental boat, along with Devasier and a 38-year-old adult female, were in their custody.
Devasier flew to Miami, Florida, on Thursday, where he was arrested by federal authorities on a Monroe County Sheriff’s Office warrant.
Authorities also revealed that Devasier has a history of drug-related convictions. Notably, a similar incident occurred in 2019, where a vessel he had kept past its due date was also located in Cuba.
Sheriff Rick Ramsay extended his gratitude to the agencies and individuals involved in the case. “I want to thank the U.S. Coast Guard, HSI, the Cuban Border Guard, and the good Samaritan on the water for their help and cooperation in bringing this case to a successful conclusion,” said Sheriff Ramsay.
The adult female found with Devasier in Cuba has not yet been identified or charged in connection with this incident. The investigation is ongoing.
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