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Gambler Jumps Ship to Escape $16K Debt, Faces Charges

9/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Jey Xander Omar Gonzalez-Diaz jumped off a Royal Caribbean cruise ship in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 7 to escape a $16,000 gambling debt.
Rescued by jet skiers, he had $14,600 in cash, two phones, and five IDs.
He claimed he jumped to avoid reporting the cash due to tax concerns.
Gonzalez-Diaz owes $16,710.24 to the cruise line, mainly from casino expenses.
He faces federal charges for evading U.S. monetary reporting requirements, risking fines up to $250,000 or five years in prison.

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Story summary

Jey Xander Omar Gonzalez-Diaz jumped off a Royal Caribbean cruise ship in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 7 to escape a $16,000 gambling debt.
Rescued by jet skiers, he had $14,600 in cash, two phones, and five IDs.
He claimed he jumped to avoid reporting the cash due to tax concerns.
Gonzalez-Diaz owes $16,710.24 to the cruise line, mainly from casino expenses.
He faces federal charges for evading U.S. monetary reporting requirements, risking fines up to $250,000 or five years in prison.