March 8, 2004





The national spotlight proved to be too bright for an accused drug runner. Argelio “Angel” Aguayo, Jr. was wanted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Miami for possession with intent to distribute. But agents say that after he was profiled on the FOX television show America’s Most Wanted: America Fights Back two weeks ago, Aguayo started feeling the heat and decided it was more than he could handle. This morning, in Miami, Aguayo turned himself in to ICE agents. His surrender is a direct result of his profile on AMW.

ICE agents started investigating Aguayo and his girlfriend, Gianni Gugliatto, after a high-speed boat chase, in February of 2003, led to the seizure of more than 900 pounds of cocaine, worth roughly $8 million. Agents say the alleged smugglers fingered Aguayo and Gugliatto as “middlemen” in the Miami drug trade.

In August of 2003, ICE agents, Miami Dade Police and Hialeah Police attempted to set up Aguayo on an undercover drug deal. But the bust was blown – and agents say Aguayo and Gugliatto led police on a high-speed chase through residential areas before they managed to escape.

After the story aired on AMW on February 21, 2004, Gugliatto turned herself in, saying the pressure was too much for her. Agents believed it was only a matter of time before Aguayo would follow suit – and his time came this morning. According to ICE agents, Aguayo is a frequent viewer of America’s Most Wanted, and saw the AMW segment on him. Aguayo knew he couldn’t stay on the run, so he contacted his attorney, who then made arrangements with ICE Special Agent Joe McBride for Aguayo’s surrender.

Authorities say Aguayo has been processed and fingerprinted in the ICE office and has been handed over to US Marshals in Miami.