A Cuban man with a lengthy history of environmental crimes in South Florida was arrested this Wednesday after police discovered he was selling stolen equipment and facing new charges of contamination.
The 44-year-old man, identified as Ovany Díaz, was detained after officers found stolen equipment and an illegal organic processing facility on his property in the rural area of Redland, located in southwest Miami-Dade County.
Díaz had previously been convicted of illegal waste dumping in 2022, with his probation set to end on October 15. The latest investigation into Díaz began on August 19, when police visited his property at 16201 SW 197th Ave. Authorities were searching for a stolen skid steer loader from a nursery in Redland, valued at over $67,000, which the GPS tracked to Díaz's land.
On August 28, police executed a search warrant on the property. They not only found the stolen trailer but also a skid steer loader with a fake identification number. Environmentally, the police discovered an astonishing scene.
They found a large pile of garden waste and shredded material, about 12 feet high and 30 feet wide, along with shredders, indicating that Díaz continued to operate an illegal organic processing facility. "Throughout the pile of garden waste, there were large pools of discolored water with signs of fly activity, solid waste, and dead rodents," an investigator wrote in statements cited by Local 10.
Additionally, police discovered three RVs not connected to a septic system, discharging untreated wastewater into the ground. Authorities stated that the agricultural status of the area and its proximity to the Everglades made the contamination potentially hazardous to human health and the environment of South Florida.
Díaz was arrested after police found he was trying to sell the stolen trailer and a lawn mower via WhatsApp. The Cuban national faces seven felony charges, including grand theft, trafficking in stolen goods, and severe environmental crimes. He also faces three misdemeanor charges related to public health and one charge for failing to obtain an environmental permit.
A judge set Díaz's bail at more than $23,000. As of the close of this report, Ovany Díaz remains detained at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center (THK).
Frequently Asked Questions About Ovany Díaz's Arrest
Here are some common questions and answers regarding the recent arrest of Ovany Díaz for selling stolen equipment and environmental crimes in Miami-Dade County.
What led to Ovany Díaz's arrest?
Ovany Díaz was arrested after police discovered he was selling stolen equipment and operating an illegal organic processing facility on his property in Redland, southwest Miami-Dade County.
What environmental crimes is Díaz accused of?
Díaz is accused of severe environmental crimes, including operating an illegal organic processing facility and discharging untreated wastewater into the ground, which poses a threat to human health and the environment.
What charges does Ovany Díaz face?
Díaz faces seven felony charges, including grand theft, trafficking in stolen goods, and severe environmental crimes. He also faces three misdemeanor charges related to public health and one charge for failing to obtain an environmental permit.
What is the status of Ovany Díaz now?
As of the close of this report, Ovany Díaz remains detained at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center with bail set at more than $23,000.