Bart Hernandez, a baseball player agent who has a noted past of representing Cuban defectors upon their entry into the United States, was arrested early Friday on charges of alien smuggling.
Agent Bart Hernandez has been indicted on human-trafficking charges related to bringing Leonys Martin from Cuba, sources tell Yahoo Sports.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 19, 2016
Over the years, Hernandez has represented a number of well-known Cuban born players such as Jose Abreu of the Chicago White Sox, Adeiny Hechavarria of the Miami Marlins and Jorge Soler of the Chicago Cubs.
It has been revealed that Hernandez conspired with two other Cuban alien smugglers, Eliezer Lazo and Joel Martinez Hernandez to bring one of Hernandez’s other clients, Leonys Martin , to the United States. Martin was identified in the indictment by his initials, “L.M.T.” which represents his full Spanish name, Lenoys Martin Tapanes.
Martin, now currently a member of the Seattle Mariners, originally came over to the United States from Cuba in 2010 prior to signing with the Texas Rangers. As per NBC Sports, Martinez allegedly held Martin hostage while his multi-million dollar contract with the Rangers was being negotiated.
Martin has earned just over $15 million during his five year career in Major League Baseball, and at just 27 years old, should still be able to earn a comfortable salary for years to come.
If convicted of these trafficking charges, Bart Hernandez will face up to 20 years in prison. Hernandez is the first player agent to face smuggling charges in over a decade.
Main Photo
Main Photo: ARLINGTON, TX – AUGUST 02: Leonys Martin #2 of the Texas Rangers runs to first base after hitting the ball in the game against the San Francisco Giants at Globe Life Park in Arlington on August 2, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. The Texas Rangers defeated the San Francisco Giants 2-1. (Photo by John Williamson/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
