FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., July 11 (UPI) -- A California-based a sports agent has avoided a five-year federal prison sentence for helping to smuggle Cuban baseball players into the United States.
The Florida Sun-Sentinel Wednesday reported Gustavo "Gus" Dominguez faced 21 charges related to bringing illegal immigrants to South Florida for personal financial gain.
He received an outpouring of support from sports figures, family and friends during his appearance before U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore Monday in Key West, and will not go to jail.
Federal prosecutors wanted the mandatory five-year minimum sentence under federal guidelines.
"I have always considered Gus to be a person of strong character and high moral principles," said former Los Angeles Dodgers' pitching great Sandy Koufax in a letter to the court.
Dominguez also is uncle and advisor to Matt Dominguez, the Florida Marlins' 2007 top draft pick, who has not signed.
Dominguez is the first sports agent ever to be charged and convicted of immigrant smuggling.
