Traci Leann Culiver-Sánchez, a 60-year-old resident of Key West, Florida, has once again been arrested and is facing new charges of theft in connection with an ongoing investigation into an alleged travel fraud scheme targeting trips to Cuba. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office confirmed this information last Thursday, detailing how she, along with her husband Steven Carl Sánchez, aged 54, allegedly defrauded numerous victims through two businesses: Majestic Seas Charters and Majestic Seas Luxury Charters.
Deceptive Practices in Travel Schemes
According to authorities, Culiver-Sánchez pretended to be a travel agent, offering fraudulent vacation packages, mainly to Cuba, along with fishing excursions that ultimately never took place. Despite collecting payments, the couple failed to arrange or fulfill the promised services and, in most cases, did not issue refunds either.
Broken Promises: "$4,000 for a Trip That Never Happened"
One of the most notable cases highlighted by the sheriff's office involved a group of individuals who each paid $4,000 for a trip to Cuba scheduled for December 5, 2024. The travelers were supposed to meet at Miami International Airport to depart for the island. However, Culiver-Sánchez and her husband arrived late, causing the group to miss their flight. Although initial attempts were made to reschedule, the trip was ultimately canceled without the victims receiving their money back.
Expanding Investigation and Victim Reports
"They sold fake vacation packages, including trips to Cuba, despite not being registered to offer travel services to a state designated as a terrorist sponsor," authorities stated, as cited by WSVN. This pattern of behavior, now under scrutiny by investigators, reportedly occurred with dozens more victims.
As the investigation progressed, more individuals came forward, reporting charter fishing trips they had booked were also canceled without any refunds, reinforcing the systematic nature of the fraudulent operations.
Initial Arrests and Emerging Allegations
The initial arrests of Traci Culiver-Sánchez and Steven Carl Sánchez took place earlier this year when they were charged with grand theft and for offering or selling travel services without being registered with the authorities. This accusation was further aggravated by the fact that the trips involved Cuba, a country designated by the United States as a state sponsor of terrorism.
With her recent re-entry into Monroe County Jail this past Wednesday, Culiver-Sánchez faces new theft charges linked to additional victim reports that have emerged since the investigation began.
Widespread and Ongoing Fraud Scheme
Public information suggests these incidents are not isolated but part of a broader scheme. The continued emergence of victims indicates an operation that may have spanned months or even years. The use of seemingly legitimate businesses with enticing trade names and a luxury narrative—Majestic Seas—appears as a tactic designed to build trust and attract clients with promises of exclusive experiences in Cuba and southern Florida.
"She pocketed the money while booking trips that never happened," the Sheriff's Office stated, in comments reported by Telemundo 51.
Legal Context and Regulatory Framework
Offering travel services to destinations like Cuba without proper registration with U.S. authorities is considered a serious violation. The inclusion of the Caribbean island in the list of state sponsors of terrorism adds another layer of regulation, oversight, and specific requirements. In this case, the lack of registration not only breaches trade laws but further complicates the legal situation of the accused.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office emphasized that the investigation remains open and urged potential victims to come forward. The increase in reports suggests the number of affected individuals may be higher than initially estimated. So far, it remains unclear if federal charges are anticipated or if the case will be transferred to other judicial instances.
Key Questions on the Alleged Travel Fraud to Cuba
What was the fraudulent scheme involving trips to Cuba?
The fraudulent scheme involved Traci Leann Culiver-Sánchez and her husband offering fake vacation packages to Cuba through their businesses. They collected payments but failed to deliver the promised services, often without providing refunds.
Why is offering travel services to Cuba without registration problematic?
Offering travel services to Cuba without proper registration violates U.S. trade laws, especially given the country's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, which imposes additional regulatory requirements.
What legal consequences are Culiver-Sánchez and her husband facing?
They are facing charges of grand theft and offering travel services without registration, with potential for additional federal charges given the nature of the fraud involving Cuba.