Tampa Woman Sentenced To Prison For Smuggling More Than $100,000 In Cash Into The United States

Tampa, Florida - U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle has sentenced Mirtza Ocana (39, Tampa) to five months in federal prison for smuggling bulk cash into the United States. The court also ordered Ocana to pay a $10,000 fine and to forfeit more than $100,000 that she had tried to smuggle into the United States. Ocana entered a guilty plea on August 12, 2024.

According to court documents, on February 5, 2024, Ocana returned to the United States on a flight from Cuba. As Ocana passed through passport control, she told U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents that she did not have anything to declare, including any cash over $10,000. When agents searched Ocana's bags, they discovered $31,409 in cash in her luggage and purse. Agents then patted down Ocana and found an additional $71,300 concealed under her clothing. In total, Ocana attempted to smuggle approximately $102,400 into the United States.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Buchanan.