Image Credit: WCSO, Gov. Bill Lee Facebook, American Archer on X
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
A Tennessee man has claimed responsibility for eight individuals who were suspected to be migrants or potentially illegal aliens when they were arrested at the end of September for allegedly looting in a flood-ravaged area affected by Hurricane Helene.
The eight men were reportedly found on the property of Javier Torres and his sister and according to affidavits had belongings from the houses in their possession.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) took all eight into custody charging three of them with burglary, and the other five with aggravated burglary, having broken into occupied structures.
A 911 caller alerted the WCSO of a group of “Hispanic males” who were allegedly breaking and entering houses in the 1700 block of Corby Bridge Road just after 3 p.m. on September 28th.
WCSO initially placed each of the men, who speak little to no English, on a $20,000 bond. A court-certified interpreter was required before the men could appear in court.
At an October 1st bail hearing, Torres testified that he employs the men, ranging in age from 24 to 51, to come to the United States every year to work for him on his farm, and that they are in the country legally on work visas.
According to the New York Post and Fox News, a spokesperson from WCSO confirmed that the men are in the United States on legal visas.
An inquiry from The Tennessee Conservative to WCSO to verify if any of the men were subject to an immigration detainer hold went unanswered.
Torres said that the men live close to his property and that he sent them to check out the damage while he was in Florida, and asked them to take photos.
After an appearance in General Sessions Court, the men, identified as Albin Nahun Vega-Rapalo, David Bairon Rapalo-Rapalo, Kevin Noe Martinez-Lopez, Marvin Hernandez-Martinez, Dayln Gabriel Guillen Guillen, Jesus Leodan Garcia-Peneda, Josue Berardo Ortis-Valdez, and Ersy Leonel Ortis-Valdez, all had their bonds decreased to $1,000 without conditions. Washington County Circuit Clerk Brenda Downes confirmed that after making bond, all eight were released.
The men are due back in court on November 4th.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
One Response
Hmm why were they breaking into peoples homes? Regardless, that man needs to go ahead and revoke those visas and send them back on there way across the border