A Royal Caribbean cruise passenger allegedly jumped overboard in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to avoid paying a $16,000 gambling debt, according to a criminal complaint.
Jey Gonzalez-Diaz leapt from the Rhapsody of the Seas as it docked at the Port of San Juan on Sunday. Surveillance footage shows a jet ski rescuer picking him up and taking him to shore.
He was later detained by US Customs and Border Protection officers near the Puerto Rico Capitol Building, carrying $14,600 in cash, two mobile phones, a handbag, and five identification documents.
The complaint alleges Gonzalez-Diaz tried to avoid federal currency reporting rules, which require declaring cash over $10,000. He told officers he jumped because he did not want to report the currency, fearing taxation.
Royal Caribbean confirmed the passenger, booked as 'Jeremy Diaz', had a $16,710.24 debt 'almost exclusively associated to Casino and Gaming expenses'. Gonzalez-Diaz has been charged with a federal crime and released on bail.
If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Royal Caribbean said it is cooperating with authorities but declined further comment.
