Image Credit: WCSO, Gov. Bill Lee Facebook, American Archer on X
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Eight individuals, suspected to be migrants or potentially illegal aliens, were arrested last Saturday in Washington County on burglary charges for allegedly looting flood-ravaged areas around Highway 107 affected by hurricane Helene.
Three of the individuals were charged with burglary:
Jesus Leodan Garcia-Peneda, 51
Josue Berardo Ortis-Valdez, 30
Ersy Leonel Ortis-Valdez, 33
The remaining five were charged with aggravated burglary as they broke into occupied structures:
Albin Nahun Vega-Rapalo, 24
David Bairon Rapalo-Rapalo, 37
Kevin Noe Martinez-Lopez, 25
Marvin Hernandez-Martinez, 43
Dayln Gabriel Guillen Guillen, 37
A video on X posted by a resident of the affected area in East Tennessee shows what is supposedly raw footage of a portion of the arrest as deputies escort two individuals in handcuffs past a parked vehicle whose driver is filming.
The New York Post and Fox News have both claimed a spokesperson from the Washington County Sheriff’s Department verified the migrants are here on legal work visas, but Fox News states the spokesperson said, “That will change as a result of the charges.”
No specificity was available as to whether the visas were originally legally applied for prior to entry to the US, or if they were assigned after the individuals were already here. The New York Post also reported that, “Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not immediately have information on the men Monday evening.”
The Tennessee Conservative has also reached out to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WSCO) for comment and to verify any immigration detainer holds, which would indicate if any of the defendants are in the country illegally and waiting to be transferred into Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody. We will update this article if we receive a response.
According to a statement from WSCO on Facebook, deputies will, “continue to patrol our region during the catastrophic flooding, especially along the flood zone,” and will be stopping anyone found in the flood zones after dark, regardless of appearance.
Each of the defendants was being held on a $20,000 bond and were expected to appear in court on Monday, September 30th, though no follow-up information is available at this time.
However, on Monday the First Judicial District Attorney General Steven Finney issued a statement condemning post-disaster looting and promising prosecution for those who engage in such a distasteful practice. “I want to assure the people of the First Judicial District that my office will aggressively prosecute any person charged with looting, theft, or any other crime related to this disaster to the fullest extent possible. This will not be tolerated. Any applicable enhancements to criminal offenses which occur that are related to this disaster will also be pursued.“
Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
One Response
This really disgusts me. In time of tragedy you have people like this that prey on the victims in most cases that lost everything. Chain gangs need to be brought back. They need to serve their jail time by helping with the clean up however long that takes. Then kicked out of America never to be allowed back in. Thanks to the obiden administration we have so many of these undesirables in this country of ours. Anyone who votes for the demonrats needs to have their minds examined. Is this the country we want to leave to our children and grandchildren? Our God is loving, but He is a just God. Come Jesus Come.
JAMES 4:8 KJV
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
In God we trust not government or man.
Have a blessed.