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Agent charged in Cuban ballplayer smuggling case

MIAMI (AP) — A Florida-based sports agent who has worked for a company in a joint venture with entertainer Marc Antony's firm was arrested Friday on federal charges involving illegal smuggling of Cuban baseball players from the communist island to the U.S.

Homeland Security Investigations spokesman Nestor Iglesias in Miami confirmed Bart Hernandez was arrested in a joint operation with the FBI. A grand jury indictment unsealed Friday charges Hernandez with two conspiracy counts that revolve around current Seattle Mariners outfielder Leonys Martin, who previously played for the Texas Rangers.

In addition to the criminal charges, federal prosecutors seek forfeiture from Hernandez of $1.